Application of the Inquiry-based Approach for the Development of Scientific Literacy in the Study of Chemical Processes in Chemistry and Environmental Protection in the 10th Grade

For the future life of young people their scientific education will allow them to live and act adequately in a society influenced by the ideas and values of science. Therefore, in the center of many educational systems an emphasis is placed on forming and developing scientific literacy in students. Inquiry-based approach in education is one of the important means for its formation and development as it puts the students in a situation where they carry out research activity, describe and analyze its results. In this article is presented an attempt to use inquiry-based approach in the study of chemical processes in Chemistry and environmental protection in the 10th. class. For its implementation a methodical model for application of scientific approach based on constructivist theories in education is developed. The results of a conducted experimental training for the determination of the expediency of the model are presented. A test is developed for establishing the training of students with an emphasis on scientific literacy. Testing results show that the developed methodical model creates good conditions for the development of scientific literacy.

Supporting English Language Learners in High-Stakes Literacy Testing

In Ontario, a mandatory high-stakes standardized literacy test called the OSSLT is administered in the tenth grade. With notable failure rates and acknowledged test anxiety, students are in need of better test preparatory methods. In this article, we examine some of the challenges and analyze ways that online multimedia learning tools can be designed in order to support diverse student needs. The online tool developed in this study features learning principles and practices based on research in literacy testing and online education. Our discussion contributes new ideas and future directions for task designers and online test preparatory tools.

SFL in Solomon Islands: A Framework for Improving Literacy Practices in Primary School

Assessing and reforming classroom literacy has become a preoccupation of nations worldwide, not the least in the Pacific where countries are often working toward literacy in English within multilingual contexts. In Solomon Islands, in 2013, the poor results in regional and local literacy testing precipitated a review of how the English language was taught in primary schools across this multilingual nation. In the subsequent reform of classroom literacy materials and associated training for teachers, a principled approach was taken using a Systemic Functional Linguistics framework. Such an approach uses a model of language instruction based on language strata together with explicit teaching within a learning cycle to support reading and writing. This article describes how such principles from sfl were embedded into new teaching materials for the early years of primary school and the accompanying training for teachers and principals that took place from 2014–2016. The work offers a potential model of reform for other settings where the development of literacy in a non-community language is critical to students’ success in schooling.

Inclusivity and the Education of Children of Defence Forces Personnel

Australian Defence Force (ADF) members' children present as a unique subpopulation of students. These students often experience schooling interruption as a result of posting (relocation) mobility inherent within the service requirements of their ADF parents. This chapter explores the impact of such mobility and interrupted schooling on educational achievement. Educational achievement consists of two key aspects: Social-emotional outcomes and Academic outcomes. Social-emotional outcomes are currently supported through the Defence Support Mentor (DSM) program. Academic outcomes are examined through the lens of Reading/Literacy testing results and Mathematics testing results. Academic achievement for ADF children impacted by mobility and schooling interruption remains largely unexplored within the Australian context. A conceptual framework is presented, which identifies potential causes of negative impacts upon ADF students' academic achievement.

Inclusivity and the Education of Children of Defence Forces Personnel

Australian Defence Force (ADF) members' children present as a unique subpopulation of students. These students often experience schooling interruption as a result of posting (relocation) mobility inherent within the service requirements of their ADF parents. This chapter explores the impact of such mobility and interrupted schooling on educational achievement. Educational achievement consists of two key aspects: Social-emotional outcomes and Academic outcomes. Social-emotional outcomes are currently supported through the Defence Support Mentor (DSM) program. Academic outcomes are examined through the lens of Reading/Literacy testing results and Mathematics testing results. Academic achievement for ADF children impacted by mobility and schooling interruption remains largely unexplored within the Australian context. A conceptual framework is presented, which identifies potential causes of negative impacts upon ADF students' academic achievement.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF BASIC CONCEPT SCIENCE MODULE WITH SETS (SCIENCE ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY) VISION BASED ON SCIENCE LITERACY

This study aims to determine the validity and level of readability of the Basic Concepts Science module with SETS vision (Science, Environment, Technology, Society) based on Science Literacy. Testing the validity of the module in this R & D (Research and Development) uses content validity and construct validity tests, while testing the readability level of the module using the crossing test technique. The results of the study show the level of validity of the modules developed is included in the category of very high validity so that the module can be used. Meanwhile, the results of the module readability level test show that the Basic Concepts Science Module Based on Science Literacy SETS developed in the category is quite easy to understand and ideal for use in learning.

“Advocacy cheating”: teacher noncompliance in standardised literacy testing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore teachers’ noncompliance with secondary-level standardised literacy testing in Tasmania, Australia, particularly their motivations, behaviours and justifications. This paper challenges pervasive views regarding test noncompliance, suggesting a reframing as “advocacy cheating”: noncompliance for purposes of advocating for and supporting students. Design/methodology/approach The research used a single case study design, with a simple thematic analysis of the qualitative data. The design enabled data to be collected during one iteration of the examined test regime, with depth of exploration into participants’ experiences and perspectives. Findings Findings indicate that small number of participants were engaged in test rule noncompliance at all stages of the testing regime: before, during and following the tests. This paper presents the concept of “advocacy cheating”, illustrated in these data through the motivations presented by participants for their noncompliant actions and the forms of noncompliance used. Research limitations/implications The small sample size and single site problematise drawing much broader comparisons. The age of the data means that current test processes and requirements have developed. Larger-scale studies might enable identification of ways in which this current regime has and might be improved. Practical implications This study’s findings and its focus on the classroom and teacher experience of testing provide insights into a widely debated and publicly important phenomenon. Originality/value The concept of “advocacy cheating” provides a newer way of considering and interpreting the range of ways in which teachers implement standardised tests.