scholarly journals Project-based learning in integrated science education: Active teachers’ perceptions and practices

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Outi Haatainen ◽  
Maija Aksela
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Teacher Education Programs ◽  
Integrated Science ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Content Understanding ◽  
Pedagogical Competence

Project-based learning (PBL) is a promising teaching method for integrated science education that has gained momentum in educational research and curriculum reforms, especially as a method to enhance 21st century skills and connected worldview. How teachers implement PBL greatly affects students’ content understanding and development of skills. The purpose of this qualitative study is to highlight active teachers’ PBL practices and their perceptions of the advantages and challenges of implementing PBL to better promote the implementation of PBL in teacher education programs and in integrated science education. This study consisted of two parts: (1) a qualitative-led survey and (2) a case study. First, the data for the survey was collected from January to March 2017 through an online reporting form of an international StarT programme. This programme supports the implementation of interdisciplinary and collaborative PBL in science, mathematics and technology education. 244 teachers from early childhood education to upper secondary school participated from 28 countries. Second, 12 PBL units reported by the teachers were chosen for a case study. The teachers exploited PBL practices that were theme- and inquiry-based, collaborative and engaging to students. However, closer inspection revealed variation and defects in the practices particularly in relation to assessment, using reflection and student-centred approach. In addition, teachers reported several challenges relating to the implementation of PBL. The results indicate that teachers see PBL as beneficial but need support with the implementation. Science teachers’ pedagogical competence in PBL could be promoted through collaborative learning in which students, teachers and other participants are learning from each other.

scholarly journals Science Teachers’ Perceptions and Self-Efficacy Beliefs Related to Integrated Science Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 272
Author(s):  
Outi Haatainen ◽  
Jaakko Turkka ◽  
Maija Aksela
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Integrated Education ◽  
Integrated Science ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Key Factor

To understand how integrated science education (ISE) can be transferred into successful classroom practices, it is important to understand teachers’ perceptions and self-efficacy. The focus of this study is twofold: (1) to understand how teachers perceive ISE and (2) to assess if science teachers’ perceptions of and experiences with integrated education correlate with their views on self-efficacy in relation to ISE. Ninety-five Finnish science teachers participated in an online survey study. A mixed method approach via exploratory factor analysis and data-driven content analysis was used. Self-efficacy emerged as a key factor explaining teachers’ perceptions of and their lack of confidence in implementing ISE as well as their need for support. In addition, teachers regarded ISE as a relevant teaching method, but challenging to implement, and teachers primarily applied integrated approaches irregularly and seldom. Furthermore, teachers’ experiences with integrated activities and collaboration correlated with their views on integrated education and self-efficacy. These findings indicate teachers need support to better understand and implement ISE.

scholarly journals The key characteristics of project-based learning: how teachers implement projects in K-12 science education

2022 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anette Markula ◽  
Maija Aksela
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Scientific Practices ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
K 12

AbstractThe aim of this multiple-case study was to research the key characteristics of project-based learning (PBL) and how teachers implement them within the context of science education. K-12 science teachers and their students’ videos, learning diaries and online questionnaire answers about their biology related PBL units, within the theme nature and environment, were analysed using deductive and inductive content analysis (n = 12 schools). The studied teachers are actively engaged in PBL as the schools had participated voluntarily in the international StarT programme of LUMA Centre Finland. The results indicate that PBL may specifically promote the use of collaboration, artefacts, technological tools, problem-centredness, and certain scientific practices, such as carrying out research, presenting results, and reflection within science education. However, it appeared that driving questions, learning goals set by students, students’ questions, the integrity of the project activities, and using the projects as a means to learn central content, may be more challenging to implement. Furthermore, although scientific practices had a strong role in the projects, it could not be defined how strongly student-led the inquiries were. The study also indicated that students and teachers may pay attention to different aspects of learning that happen through PBL. The results contribute towards a deeper understanding of the possibilities and challenges related to implementation of PBL and using scientific practices in classrooms. Furthermore, the results and the constructed framework of key characteristics can be useful in promoting research-based implementation and design of PBL science education, and in teacher training related to it.

scholarly journals A case for examining pre-service teacher preparation for inquiry teaching science with technology

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris T. Shively ◽  
Randy Yerrick
Keyword(s):  
Educational Technology ◽  
Science Education ◽  
Teacher Preparation ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Learning Technology ◽  
Inquiry Teaching ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Pre Service Teacher

Inquiry has been the framework for guiding reform-based science instruction. All too often, the role of technology is treated tacitly without contributions to this framework. This case study examines a collection of pre-service teachers enrolling in two educational technology courses and the role these experiences play in promoting inquiry teaching. Interviews, field notes, surveys, reflective digital narratives and student-generated exhibits served as the data informing the analysis of inquiry experiences which shaped the enacted lessons of science teachers. Implications for research and practices are discussed.Keywords: teacher reflection; science education; technologyCitation: Research in Learning Technology 2014, 22: 21691 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v22.21691

scholarly journals TEACHERS’ VIEW OF LANGUAGE(S) IN (CLIL) SCIENCE EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY IN PORTUGAL

2019 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 636-649
Author(s):  
Valentina Piacentini ◽  
Ana Raquel Simões ◽  
Rui Marques Vieira
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Science Studies ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Teacher Interviews ◽  
Verbal Language

The development of meaningful environments at school for the learning of Science as well as of foreign languages is an educational concern. CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), aimed at the students’ acquisition of both the foreign Language and specific subject Content, is an approach that may promote the learning of English in use during subject classes and could result in the improvement of conditions and practices of Science education. Research, actually, reveals that teaching methodologies aware of language – such as CLIL – and other semiotic modes implied in Science are beneficial for the learning of Science. Studying a CLIL programme (“English Plus” project, EP), in which Science is taught/learnt with/in English, is thus relevant. A case study on the EP project and its participants (English and Science teachers, students involved in different school years) in one lower secondary state school in Portugal was carried out. In the present research, qualitative data collected through teacher interviews are presented and discussed, with the goal of understanding the role of Language(s) (verbal language in the mother tongue or English and other representation modalities) in the teaching of Science for EP teachers, both in conventional and project classes. A greater teacher awareness and use of Language(s), when an additional language (English, here) is also present for Science education, results from this work. This contributes to research on CLIL Science studies and teacher reflections on adopting a language-focused approach for Science education, also when the mother tongue is spoken. Keywords: CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), EFL (English as a foreign language), language-focused science education, qualitative design, reflections on teaching.

Bridging the Gap: Bringing Professionals into the Classroom to Effectively Teach Environmental Science Concepts

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (9) ◽  
pp. 618-624
Author(s):  
Mallory Ware ◽  
Christie Sampson ◽  
Delaney Lann ◽  
Erica Linard ◽  
Lauren Garcia Chance
Keyword(s):  
Science Teachers ◽  
Real World ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Environmental Science ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Community Science ◽  
K 12

Hands-on learning is a highly effective teaching method for topics in STEM disciplines. Unfortunately, environmental science teachers sometimes lack the tools to engage their students in hands-on experimentation in real-world research outside of the classroom. Partnerships between science professionals and teachers can help address this disparity, and operating within an established community science program is an excellent way for teachers and professionals to provide K–12 students opportunities for involvement in real-world research. We developed a four-stage program that maximizes the benefits of bringing together members of the professional and academic sectors; the stages include Learn, Collect, Report, and Communicate (LCRC). The goal of this program is to bring science professionals into a K–12 classroom to emphasize the importance of conducting research using the scientific method, to promote responsible community science, improve students' data literacy and critical thinking skills, and highlight the relevance of science communication. We demonstrate this program with a case study using water quality research in high school AP classes. Evaluations of the case study indicate this framework, and the engagement with science professionals alters students' perceptions of science and scientists while giving them the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue scientific endeavors.

Critical appraisal of health claims: science teachers’ perceptions and practices

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (5) ◽  
pp. 449-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Nordheim ◽  
Kjell Sverre Pettersen ◽  
Signe Flottorp ◽  
Esther Hjälmhult
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Main Theme ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Critical Appraisal Skills

Purpose – Critical appraisal skills are necessary to navigate the numerous contradictory and pseudo-scientific claims in the popular media. Health and science education in schools is essential for promoting these skills in students. The purpose of this paper is to explore lower secondary school science teachers’ perceptions and reported practices related to teaching critical appraisal of health claims. Design/methodology/approach – Interpretive description strategy guided the study process. A purposeful sample of 25 Norwegian teachers was interviewed individually or in groups. Interviews were analysed using the constant comparative method. Findings – One main theme, “unexploited opportunities for teaching critical appraisal”, and three sub-themes were identified: “inattentive to the relevance of critical appraisal”, “prioritise facts over critical appraisal”, “limited competency in critical appraisal”. Teachers’ descriptions of science sessions devoted to health education uncovered important opportunities for teaching critical appraisal of health claims. However, teachers did not appear to seize opportunities because they seemed inattentive to the relevance of teaching critical appraisal, they reported to prioritise teaching health content knowledge, and teachers themselves revealed limited expertise in assessing health claims critically. Practical implications – The findings suggest that science teachers need support to take better advantage of the links between health and science education to enhance students’ critical appraisal skills. Originality/value – This study adds depth to the understanding of issues and challenges faced by science teachers regarding critical appraisal of health claims, which is an important aspect of health education schools.

scholarly journals DEFINING TEACHER OWNERSHIP: A SCIENCE EDUCATION CASE STUDY TO DETERMINE CATEGORIES OF TEACHER OWNERSHIP

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 659-674
Author(s):  
Ana Valdmann ◽  
Jack Holbrook ◽  
Miia Rannikmäe
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Science Teacher ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sense Of Ownership

This study seeks to put forward a justified definition for the concept of Teacher Ownership, and establishes levels of science teacher ownership, based on a hierarchy of categories, using phenomenographic analysis. Such ownership is based on a meaningful science teacher internalisation of a motivational context-based teacher approach, established via a prior CPD programme. In so doing, the study distinguishes between teachers’ self-efficacy levels attained at the end of the CPD and teacher ownership indicating the capability of propagating the desired teaching to students and other teachers. The phenomenographic analysis, based on semi-structured interviews, is carried out with 10 science teachers, 3 academic years after the administered CPD programme. From an analysis of perceptions, 3 distinct categories of sustainable science teacher ownership, based on 5 distinct teaching dimensions, reflect variations in orientation of teacher ownership. The main conclusions are that sustainable teacher ownership differs from terms such as a sense of ownership, towards ownership and self–efficacy and that, in this study, teacher ownership can be described as being exhibited by the science teachers in paradigmatic, experiential and emotional ownership categories. Keywords: phenomenographic analysis, self-efficacy, teacher ownership, teacher ownership categories.

scholarly journals Teachers Co-Designing and Implementing Career-Related Instruction

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 255
Author(s):  
Salonen ◽  
Kärkkäinen ◽  
Keinonen
Keyword(s):  
Science Teachers ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Professional Group ◽  
Teaching Material ◽  
Teacher Interviews ◽  
Educational Innovations ◽  
Innovative Teaching ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Specific Education

Teachers encounter the challenge of how to provide students adequate awareness of science-related careers. Therefore, innovative teaching material for promoting science-related careers needs to be designed. Educational innovations can be successful if teachers experience ownership and agency towards the designed teaching material. In this case study, a multi-professional group of two science teachers, a researcher, and a dentist co-designed instruction including a career presentation and relevant information about field-specific education and skills needed by a professional in that field. We refer to this as career-related instruction. The designed learning unit includes a scenario, inquiries and career-related activities. Teachers’ perceptions about co-designing and implementing the learning unit in science education are examined as well as students’ perceptions about the scenario. Data consists of teacher interviews and discussions and student questionnaires. A content analysis reveals the teachers’ high ownership and agency in co-designing the instruction, which was relevant, interesting and informative for students. It was easy for teachers to implement the learning unit even though they were not involved in every phase of the design process. We conclude that by strengthening teachers’ ownership and agency through multi-professional co-designing, relevant and interesting career-related instruction can be designed and implemented.

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