Towards a Framework for Representational Competence in Science Education

Towards a Framework for Representational Competence in Science Education
Author: Kristy L. Daniel
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 276
Release: 2018-06-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319899457

This book covers the current state of thinking and what it means to have a framework of representational competence and how such theory can be used to shape our understanding of the use of representations in science education, assessment, and instruction. Currently, there is not a consensus in science education regarding representational competence as a unified theoretical framework. There are multiple theories of representational competence in the literature that use differing perspectives on what competence means and entails. Furthermore, dependent largely on the discipline, language discrepancies cause a potential barrier for merging ideas and pushing forward in this area. While a single unified theory may not be a realistic goal, there needs to be strides taken toward working as a unified research community to better investigate and interpret representational competence. An objective of this book is to initiate thinking about a representational competence theoretical framework across science educators, learning scientists, practitioners and scientists. As such, we have divided the chapters into three major themes to help push our thinking forward: presenting current thinking about representational competence in science education, assessing representational competence within learners, and using our understandings to structure instruction.

Teacher Education for Transformative Agency

Teacher Education for Transformative Agency
Author: Carina America
Publisher: African Sun Media
Total Pages: 190
Release: 2021-01-19
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1928480934

Many teacher education programs globally are undergoing significant changes in response to government policy, imperatives driven by global competitiveness, as well as local conditions. This is particularly relevant in the South African context where teacher education seeks to navigate from the ravages of apartheid education towards addressing the developmental needs of the majority of its citizens. This book records and explores efforts by academic staff members within the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, responding to the demands of a new program in initial teacher education. It brings together diverse views seeking to present a coherent program in the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). It examines how curriculum design unfolds across disciplines in the program, and crucially, the commonalities in the presentation of course material. Lecturers examine the purpose, structure and content of their teaching as they engage with putting democratic policy goals into practice in the core, as well as subject-specific modules of the program.

Towards a Competence-Based View on Models and Modeling in Science Education

Towards a Competence-Based View on Models and Modeling in Science Education
Author: Annette Upmeier zu Belzen
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 317
Release: 2020-01-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030302555

The book takes a closer look at the theoretical and empirical basis for a competence-based view of models and modeling in science learning and science education research. Current thinking about models and modeling is reflected. The focus lies on the development of modeling competence in science education, and on philosophical aspects, including perspectives on nature of science. The book explores, interprets, and discusses models and modeling from the perspective of different theoretical frameworks and empirical results. The extent to which these frameworks can be integrated into a competence-based approach for science education is discussed. In addition, the book provides practical guidance by outlining evidence-based approaches to diagnosing and promoting modeling competence. The aim is to convey a strong understanding of models and modeling for professions such as teacher educators, science education researchers, teachers, and scientists. Different methods for the diagnosis and assessment of modeling competence are presented and discussed with regard to their potential and limitations. The book provides evidence-based ideas about how teachers can be supported in teaching with models and modeling implementing a competence-based approach and, thus, how students can develop their modeling competence. Based on the findings, research challenges for the future are identified.

Eye Tracking for STEM Education Research: New Perspectives

Eye Tracking for STEM Education Research: New Perspectives
Author: Pascal Klein
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Total Pages: 166
Release: 2024-04-04
Genre: Education
ISBN: 283254732X

A modern approach to improving education uses the components of experimental scientific research practices based on objective data, dissemination of results, and the use of modern technologies. STEM education research is maturing and new tools and analysis techniques become available. As one example, eye tracking, the recording of persons’ eye movements, has been growing in popularity as it enables researchers to study learning materials’ effectiveness, problem solving, and even students’ approaches during experimentation. Eye movements, as captured using eye tracking, can reveal information about a student's attention and cognition on a process level, going well beyond classical product-based assessment techniques such as questionnaires or tests.

Physics Education

Physics Education
Author: Hans Ernst Fischer
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 504
Release: 2022-01-12
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030873919

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the theoretical background and practice of physics teaching and learning and assists in the integration of highly interesting topics into physics lessons. Researchers in the field, including experienced educators, discuss basic theories, the methods and some contents of physics teaching and learning, highlighting new and traditional perspectives on physics instruction. A major aim is to explain how physics can be taught and learned effectively and in a manner enjoyable for both the teacher and the student. Close attention is paid to aspects such as teacher competences and requirements, lesson structure, and the use of experiments in physics lessons. The roles of mathematical and physical modeling, multiple representations, instructional explanations, and digital media in physics teaching are all examined. Quantitative and qualitative research on science education in schools is discussed, as quality assessment of physics instruction. The book is of great value to researchers involved in the teaching and learning of physics, to those training physics teachers, and to pre-service and practising physics teachers.

A Framework for K-12 Science Education

A Framework for K-12 Science Education
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 400
Release: 2012-02-28
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0309214459

Science, engineering, and technology permeate nearly every facet of modern life and hold the key to solving many of humanity's most pressing current and future challenges. The United States' position in the global economy is declining, in part because U.S. workers lack fundamental knowledge in these fields. To address the critical issues of U.S. competitiveness and to better prepare the workforce, A Framework for K-12 Science Education proposes a new approach to K-12 science education that will capture students' interest and provide them with the necessary foundational knowledge in the field. A Framework for K-12 Science Education outlines a broad set of expectations for students in science and engineering in grades K-12. These expectations will inform the development of new standards for K-12 science education and, subsequently, revisions to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for educators. This book identifies three dimensions that convey the core ideas and practices around which science and engineering education in these grades should be built. These three dimensions are: crosscutting concepts that unify the study of science through their common application across science and engineering; scientific and engineering practices; and disciplinary core ideas in the physical sciences, life sciences, and earth and space sciences and for engineering, technology, and the applications of science. The overarching goal is for all high school graduates to have sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on science-related issues, be careful consumers of scientific and technical information, and enter the careers of their choice. A Framework for K-12 Science Education is the first step in a process that can inform state-level decisions and achieve a research-grounded basis for improving science instruction and learning across the country. The book will guide standards developers, teachers, curriculum designers, assessment developers, state and district science administrators, and educators who teach science in informal environments.

Visualization in Science Education

Visualization in Science Education
Author: John K. Gilbert
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 375
Release: 2006-03-30
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1402036132

This book addresses key issues concerning visualization in the teaching and learning of science at any level in educational systems. It is the first book specifically on visualization in science education. The book draws on the insights from cognitive psychology, science, and education, by experts from five countries. It unites these with the practice of science education, particularly the ever-increasing use of computer-managed modelling packages.

Handbook of Research in Educational Communications and Technology

Handbook of Research in Educational Communications and Technology
Author: M. J. Bishop
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 898
Release: 2020-09-21
Genre: Education
ISBN: 3030361195

The 5th edition of the prestigious AECT Handbook continues previous efforts to reach outside the traditional instructional design and technology community to the learning sciences and computer information systems communities toward developing a conceptualization of the field. However, given the pervasive and increasingly complex role technology now plays in education since the 1st edition of the Handbook in 1996, the editors have reorganized the research chapters in this edition to focus on the learning problems we are trying to solve with educational technologies, rather than to focus on the things we are using to solve those problems. Additionally, for the first time this edition of the Handbook reflects our field’s growing understanding of the importance of design scholarship to inform practice by including design case chapters. These changes for this edition of the Handbook are intended to bring educational technology research into the broader framework of educational research by elaborating on the role instructional design and technology plays as a scholarly discipline in addressing education’s increasingly complex issues. Provides comprehensive reviews of new developments in educational technology research and design practice. Includes concrete examples to guide future research and practice in the ways emerging technologies can be used to solve educational problems. Contains extensive references furnished to guide readers to the most recent research and design practice in the field of instructional design and technology.

Multiple Representations in Biological Education

Multiple Representations in Biological Education
Author: David F. Treagust
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 394
Release: 2013-02-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9400741928

This new publication in the Models and Modeling in Science Education series synthesizes a wealth of international research on using multiple representations in biology education and aims for a coherent framework in using them to improve higher-order learning. Addressing a major gap in the literature, the volume proposes a theoretical model for advancing biology educators’ notions of how multiple external representations (MERs) such as analogies, metaphors and visualizations can best be harnessed for improving teaching and learning in biology at all pedagogical levels. The content tackles the conceptual and linguistic difficulties of learning biology at each level—macro, micro, sub-micro, and symbolic, illustrating how MERs can be used in teaching across these levels and in various combinations, as well as in differing contexts and topic areas. The strategies outlined will help students’ reasoning and problem-solving skills, enhance their ability to construct mental models and internal representations, and, ultimately, will assist in increasing public understanding of biology-related issues, a key goal in today’s world of pressing concerns over societal problems about food, environment, energy, and health. The book concludes by highlighting important aspects of research in biological education in the post-genomic, information age.