The responses to artificial intelligence in teacher integrated science learning training program

Artificial intelligence (AI) in education is the current development that provides solutions to problems in various contexts and levels. The use of AI in science teacher training programs is something that rarely done, especially in integrated science learning. The purpose of this study was to mapping the competencies of science teachers after receive pedagogical suggestions based on AI. This activity was attended by 20 science teachers in West Java who are members of the teacher training program. The competency patterns of science teachers were analyzed descriptively qualitatively in order to see the combination of knowledge between AI and natural knowledge of science teachers. The results show some teachers made innovative integrated science learning and teachers were able to follow, modify, or ignore pedagogical suggestions. These results also provide a field evaluation of the development of an integrated science learning program assisted by AI.

Formação de Professores no IFMT: um Estudo Sobre o Histórico, Perfil do Egresso e a Organização Curricular de Licenciaturas em Ciências da Natureza – Habilitação em Biologia

ResumoNas últimas décadas foram propostas algumas iniciativas de reformulação dos programas de formação de professores de Ciências. Dentre elas, destacamos a implantação das Licenciaturas em Ciências da Natureza. Esses cursos têm como finalidade principal formar professores aptos a ensinar Ciências nos anos finais do ensino fundamental, sendo que alguns também ofertam habilitações para os campos disciplinares das Ciências da Natureza (Química, Física e Biologia). Em vista disso, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo conhecer o histórico, o perfil esperado do egresso e o modo de organização curricular de duas licenciaturas em Ciências da Natureza, com habilitação em Biologia, ofertadas pelo Instituto Federal de Mato Grosso (IFMT). Quanto à metodologia, utilizou-se a abordagem qualitativa, mediante um estudo exploratório e descritivo com base na análise documental dos projetos pedagógicos dos cursos supracitados. Por meio estudo realizado, foi possível perceber que essas licenciaturas almejam formar professores habilitados a lecionar os componentes curriculares de Ciências (ensino fundamental) e Biologia (ensino médio). Quanto aos objetivos de formação, depreende-se que eles se comprometem em ofertar uma formação docente que contribua com a ressignificação das práticas pedagógicas no ensino de Ciências da Natureza. No que tange à organização curricular, as licenciaturas se organizam em duas etapas: na primeira metade do curso, são ofertadas disciplinas voltadas à formação do professor de Ciências e, na segunda metade, disciplinas voltadas à formação de professores de Biologia. Todavia, entendemos que essa divisão do currículo possa se tornar um empecilho à oferta de uma formação interdisciplinar. Palavras-chave: Formação Docente. Professores de Biologia. Ensino de Ciências da Natureza. Institutos Federais. AbstractIn recent decades, some initiatives have been proposed for the reformulation of science teacher training programs. Among them, we highlight the implementation of Degrees in Nature Sciences. The main purpose of these courses is to train teachers able to teach Science in the final years of elementary school, and some also offer qualifications for the disciplinary fields of Natural Sciences (Chemistry, Physics and Biology). In view of this, the present work aims to know the history, the expected profile of the graduate and the way of curricular organization of two degrees in Natural Sciences, with specialization in Biology, offered by the Federal Institute of Mato Grosso (IFMT). As for the methodology, a qualitative approach was used, through an exploratory and descriptive study based on documental analysis of the pedagogical projects of the aforementioned courses. Through a study carried out, it was possible to see that these degrees aim to train teachers qualified to teach the curricular components of Science (primary education) and Biology (high school). As for the training objectives, it appears that they are committed to offering teacher training that contributes to the redefinition of pedagogical practices in the teaching of Natural Sciences. Regarding the curricular organization, the degrees are organized in two stages: in the first half of the course, subjects aimed at the formation of Science teachers are offered and, in the second half, subjects aimed at the formation of Biology teachers. However, we understand that this division of the curriculum can become an obstacle to the offer of an interdisciplinary training. Keywords: Teacher Education. Biology Teachers. Teaching of Natural Sciences. Federal Institutes.

SOCIOSCIENTIFIC ISSUES AND PRE-SERVICE SCIENCE TEACHERS’ BIOETHICAL VALUES

Considering the recent rapid developments in science and technology, it is quite important for individuals to be able to make decisions about their own future and their children's future for the society in which they live and to know how to establish a balance of risk and decision. For this reason, teacher training programs should be planned to internalize pre-service teachers' awareness of responsibility. Regarding this point, the development of pre-service science teachers' bioethical values was examined on a class level basis using survey research. Research sample consisted total of 286 pre-service teachers of Science Teacher Training Program. Bioethical Values Questionnaire was applied to determine pre-service teachers’ bioethical values. As a result of analyses, it was determined that pre-service teachers’ bioethical values increased according to their class levels they attended. It was stated that pre-service science teachers’ bioethical values related to sub-dimensions of “Benefits of Biotechnology Applications”, “Science and Ethics”, “Reproductive Technologies and Cloning” and “Control of Genetic Interventions” were increased based on participants’ class levels. In addition, the results of the study revealed that pre-service teachers also had some concerns about the benefits of biotechnology applications. Keywords: bioethics level, science teaching, pre-service science teachers, socio-scientific issues

Sociocultural Perspectives of Science and Learning: Contributions on Pedagogical Practices on STEM teachers in Service

This research study contributes to science teacher training by analyzing a curriculum that takes in sociocultural perspectives of science and learning in in-service teachers' pedagogical practices. It is a qualitative study with a critical hermeneutic methodology. The method used was a multiple case study, which inquires by exploring different cases in depth. The information was collected within the framework of a postgraduate training program, with in-service teachers from the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), in two settings: the training program and the observation of their pedagogical practice. Results show that this sociocultural perspective of the curriculum contributed to the pedagogical practices of the teachers under study in six different ways: i) generation of new understandings of science, learning, and the discipline they teach; ii) identification of other meanings for the concepts they teach; iii) changes in-class activities that help to recognize the identity of the scientific community; iv) inclusion of strategies that foster the negotiation of meaning in the community; v) changes in the evaluation strategies, giving more importance to feedback; and vi) generation of reflexive processes about the pedagogical practice in a more conscious way.

Prospective Physics and Science Teachers' Mental Models about the Concept of Work

Work, as a concept, is often encountered in daily life, but the meaning of work in physics is closely related to power, force, and energy. Studies made about various concepts and subjects have proved that using words in ways different from their scientific meanings has a negative effect on teaching, and causes conceptual complexities and/or generation of alternative mental models. This study aimed to determine the mental models of prospective physics and science teachers about the concept of work. This study was conducted with the participation of 107 prospective teachers in the Physics and Science Teacher Training program. The trainee teachers' understandings were determined by using an achievement test, consisting of three open-ended questions, developed by the researchers. Data obtained were first analyzed according to the level of understanding demonstrated, and then the mental models were determined by using these levels. Four types of mental models about work were identified, specifically the scientific,, the scientific synthesis, the initial synthesis, and the initial models. The synthesis model is the dominant mental model, and it has been developed by prospective teachers from two disciplines.