scholarly journals Development of the Sci-math Sensemaking Framework: categorizing sensemaking of mathematical equations in science

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
FangFang Zhao ◽  
Anita Schuchardt
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Complex Problems ◽  
Making Sense ◽  
Mathematics Knowledge ◽  
Mathematical Equations ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Scientific Ideas

AbstractScientific ideas are often expressed as mathematical equations. Understanding the ideas contained within these equations requires making sense of both the embedded mathematics knowledge and scientific knowledge. Students who can engage in this type of blended sensemaking are more successful at solving novel or more complex problems with these equations. However, students often tend to rely on algorithmic/procedural approaches and struggle to make sense of the underlying science. This deficit may partly be the fault of instruction that focuses on superficial connections with the science and mathematics knowledge such as defining variables in the equation and demonstrating step-by-step procedures for solving problems. Research into the types of sensemaking of mathematical equations in science contexts is hindered by the absence of a shared framework. Therefore, a review of the literature was completed to identify themes addressing sensemaking of mathematical equations in science. These themes were compiled into nine categories, four in the science sensemaking dimension and five in the mathematics sensemaking dimension. This framework will allow for comparison across studies on the teaching and learning of mathematical equations in science and thus help to advance our understanding of how students engage in sensemaking when solving quantitative problems as well as how instruction influences this sensemaking.

scholarly journals STEM from the perspectives of engineering design and suggested tools and learning design

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-71
Author(s):  
Yu-Liang Ting
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Real World ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
School Science ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Engineering Design Process ◽  
Real World Problem ◽  
Mathematics Knowledge ◽  
And Mathematics

STEM is an educational concept about which little consensus has been reached as to what it is, and how it can be taught in schools. This study provides a snap shot of prominent contemporary research results contributing to better understanding of STEM and its implementation in education. In addition, this study tries to tackle an issue that school science has traditionally been built around well defined problems for learning purpose. As most real-world problems are ill-defined, this study proposes to implement the notion of STEM to help students acquire real-world problem-solving skills by engaging them in an engineering design process, in which students use the technology tools of graphic-based programming. The proposed learning practice is experiential task-based learning, in which students are forced to apply and acquire related science and mathematics knowledge during their engineering design process. It is hoped that related rationales and discussions will stimulates researchers and educators to adopt or tailor their own learning designs for the current generation of youngsters and promote the quality of teaching and learning in STEM.

scholarly journals Building Trust in Science Through a Bayesian Perspective on Probability and Uncertainty

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Rosenberg ◽  
Marcus Kubsch ◽  
Eric-Jan Wagenmakers
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Bayes Theorem ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Public ◽  
Building Trust ◽  
Making Sense ◽  
How People Learn ◽  
Scientific Ideas

Uncertainty is ubiquitous in science, but scientific understanding is often represented to the public and in educational contexts as certain and immutable. Adding to this problem is that when scientists try to communicate their uncertainty, research has demonstrated that many people--learners and experts alike--struggle to interpret the statistics that are often used to make inferences about evidence from scientific data. We conjecture that a Bayesian perspective can offer a foundation for teaching and learning about a persistent but sometimes unsettling tension for science, making sense of and communicating about uncertainty. Central to this approach is viewing uncertainty \ital{probabilistically}, as doing so provides a language for expressing the degree of uncertainty in knowledge across a range of scientific domains and socio-scientific issues. In this paper, we elaborate on the importance of probability and uncertainty in science (and science education) and review how people learn about these concepts---and when and why they face difficulties when doing so. Then, we provide an accessible primer on Bayes Theorem and more general principles following from the application of Bayes Theorem. Next, we provide examples of how a Bayesian perspective could inform efforts around both science literacy and science education with an emphasis upon building trust in science. We conclude with directions for future research focused on bolstering trust in science outside of and within pre-collegiate science classrooms, where a Bayesian perspective can provide a coherent approach to engaging in science to make sense of scientific ideas in a principled yet flexible manner.

Sustaining the Implementation of Dual-Language Programme (DLP) in Malaysian Secondary Schools

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-97
Author(s):  
Ashairi Suliman ◽  
Mohamed Yusoff Mohd Nor ◽  
Melor Md Yunus
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Dual Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Jel Classification ◽  
Student Perspective ◽  
Mathematics Students ◽  
Programme Implementation ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
And Mathematics

Objective - The implementation of Dual-Language Programmes (DLP) in the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics is an initiative under the ‘Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening the English Language’ (MBMMBI) policy. Though it has some similarities with the previous policy known as ‘English for the Teaching of Science and Mathematics’ (PPSMI), its execution is idiosyncratic in its own way. Since its inception in 2016, the programme has entered its third cycle involving students in primary and secondary schools in Malaysia. The curiosity to scrutinise the programme implementation has led to this study. The study aims to investigate the execution of this programme and to assess its sustainability. Methodology/Technique – Gleaning through the students’ language capabilities, attitudes, teachers’ support and acceptance of the programme, the study uses a questionnaire with open-ended questions and focus group discussions to unravel the aforementioned issues. 1,530 students from secondary schools across Malaysia were selected as the respondents of this study. Findings - The results reveal findings that may represent a measure on the direction of this programme. Looking from the student perspective, the challenges confronted in addition to those put forward may further serve as an indicator for the sustainability of the program. Novelty – This study infers how the programme can be further enhanced in terms of its implementation in its fourth year since inception. The findings of this study may assist policy makers in shaping the direction of the programme. Type of Paper: Empirical. Keywords: Dual-Language Programme (DLP); Sustainability; Science and Mathematics; Students; Policy and Programme Implementation. JEL Classification: A20, A23 A29.

Enhancing the Effectiveness of Tertiary Teaching and Learning Through Assessment: A Review of the Literature

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Cockburn ◽  
Jill Musgrave ◽  
Rosanne Matheson ◽  
David Mitchell ◽  
Pat Reid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Tertiary Teaching

scholarly journals Problematizing teaching and learning mathematics as “given” in STEM education

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeping Li ◽  
Alan H. Schoenfeld
Keyword(s):  
Mathematics Education ◽  
Stem Education ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Teaching And Learning Mathematics ◽  
Learning Mathematics ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Scientific Engineering

AbstractMathematics is fundamental for many professions, especially science, technology, and engineering. Yet, mathematics is often perceived as difficult and many students leave disciplines in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as a result, closing doors to scientific, engineering, and technological careers. In this editorial, we argue that how mathematics is traditionally viewed as “given” or “fixed” for students’ expected acquisition alienates many students and needs to be problematized. We propose an alternative approach to changes in mathematics education and show how the alternative also applies to STEM education.

Priorities for reorienting traditional institutions of higher education toward online teaching and learning: Thinking beyond the COVID-19 experience

2021 ◽  
pp. 204275302110388
Author(s):  
Talha A Sharadgah ◽  
Rami A Sa’di
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Education ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Traditional Institutions

The purpose of this study is to suggest priorities for reorienting traditional institutions of higher education (IHE) toward online teaching and learning beyond the COVID-19 experience. This research applied the qualitative research method. Data collection sources included both a systematic literature review relating to how COVID-19 informed online distance learning across the globe and an analysis of circulars germane to the pandemic that were issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Saudi Arabia and by Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU). Guided by those two types of data, that is, review of the literature in general and the MOE and PSAU circulars in particular, and also illuminated by their own experiences of online teaching during the lockdown, the researchers were able to put forward those priorities. For the systematic review of the literature, five steps were performed: (1) identifying search terms and developing and applying a search strategy; (2) screening the obtained research papers, removing duplicates and papers outside the focal point, and establishing inclusion/exclusion criteria; (3) assessing the research papers against the inclusion/exclusion criteria; (4) data extraction; and (5) data synthesis. Although this article does not suggest traditional IHE should go entirely digital, it highlights the need for IHE to ensure access to online learning content, develop more partnerships with community, develop online self-study skills, get students to shift from passive to active learning, and a need to reconsider current e-assessment. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need to provide additional support for faculty members, how university buildings should be gradually reopened, controlling factors influencing online learning outcomes, and addressing the issue of dropouts in IHE. Finally, the study underlines the need to add further emphasis to the importance of integrating blended learning in the university curriculum and navigating toward developing global distance learning programs.

scholarly journals Breaking Boundaries: Pressing Issues in Equity, Computing, and Problem-Solving in STEM Undergraduate Education

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-12
Author(s):  
Anna Bargagliotti ◽  
Dorothea Herreiner ◽  
Jefrey A. Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Undergraduate Education ◽  
National Science Foundation ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
The Common ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Education Conference

The April 2017 National Science Foundation-funded Breaking the Boundaries in STEM Education conference brought together Southern California science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) faculty to explore equity, problem-solving, and computing in an interdisciplinary manner. Two main research questions guided the overall scope of the conference: (1) What are the common threads across disciplines to approach the teaching and learning of skills that are relevant in STEM? (2) What are the challenges and barriers that need to be overcome in order to foster collaboration across disciplines to impact the teaching and learning of skills relevant in STEM? We describe the background of the conference and provide an overview of the questions addressed.

scholarly journals Determinants In The Choice Of Comprehensible Input Strategies In Science Classes

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Crisanta Comia Buri
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Medium Of Instruction ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Comprehensible Input ◽  
Filipino Students ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Science Classes ◽  
Bilingual Education Policy

The Bilingual Education Policy, which was launched in 1974 and revised in 1987, has resulted in the limited exposure of Filipino learners to the English language. This is because the policy reversed previous policies and stipulates that in only two content area subjects, namely, Science and Mathematics is English to be used as medium of instruction. The limited exposure to English has been cited as one of the reasons for the declining proficiency in English of Filipino students since the promulgation of the policy (Gonzales, 1986). On the other hand, the use of English as medium of instruction in cognitively demanding subjects such as science and mathematics has also been given as the reason for the poor showing of students and even teachers themselves in nationwide tests in Science (Maminta, 1985). The overall downtrend in student achievement as evidenced by the poor performance on all of the tests has given rise to two issues concerning the policy. First, is the language for initial literacy and the second is the medium of instruction in science and mathematics. These language issues are crucial in as much as language is the primary vehicle of expression and thought exchange in the classroom. Teaching and learning are in fact language tasks carried out largely by means of verbal interaction between teacher and students (Bellack, et al 1966). The exchange of ideas between students and teachers is largely done through language as they talk about concepts in science, mathematics and other content areas.

scholarly journals Mathematics Instruction to Promote Mathematics Higher-Order Thinking Skills of Students in Indonesia: Moving Forward

TEM Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1945-1954
Author(s):  
Benidiktus Tanujaya ◽  
Rully Charitas Indra Prahmana ◽  
Jeinne Mumu
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Mathematics Classroom ◽  
Mathematics Learning ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Mathematics Textbooks ◽  
Mathematics Students ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
And Mathematics

HOTS instruction in mathematics is rarely explicitly programmed by the schoolteacher. As a result, students' HOTS is at the lowest level, especially in national or international assessments. The purpose of this research is to determine why mathematics education in Indonesia does not have a significant effect on student HOTS by conducting a review of several Indonesian publications on the subject. This research is a qualitative method of literature review related to the HOTS of Indonesian mathematics students, and an organized interview triangulated to support the data and information from the literature review. The interview consisted of two critical questions administered using Google Form: implementing active learning and mathematics textbooks on mathematics classroom activities. The results concluded that there were two primary sources of error in mathematics learning to increase HOTS in Indonesia: active learning and current mathematics textbooks. Besides, in teaching and learning practices, the active learning model is rarely used when using official texts that do not promote HOTS for mathematics students in Indonesia.

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