Dissertations / Theses: 'Teaching methods in science'

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Christian, Richard Dennis Rhodes Dent. "A design for teaching preservice secondary social studies teachers methods for teaching critical thinking skills." Normal, Ill. Illinois State University, 1995. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/ilstu/fullcit?p9633389.

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Thesis (Ed. D.)--Illinois State University, 1995.
Title from title page screen, viewed May 10, 2006. Dissertation Committee: Dent M. Rhodes (chair), Larry Kennedy, Kenneth Jerrich, Frederick Drake. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 195-204) and abstract. Also available in print.

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NDURYA, RUDOLPH. "Teaching methods for science subjects in elementary schools : A qualitative study on the methods science teachers describe that they use to teach science subjects in elementary schools and what effect they say these methods have on students’ motivation towards science subjects." Thesis, Jönköping University, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-49249.

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The objective of the empirical study was to explore which teaching methods science teachers in elementary schools describe that they use and the effects these methods have on student motivation towards the subject, according to these teachers. The study is based on the socio constructivism perspective while also correlating pragmatism and cognitive constructivism in relation to teaching methods in science lessons. Semi-structured interviews have been conducted with experienced and skilled elementary science teachers from around the district of Jönköping. Through the interviews the teachers gave accounts and descriptions of teaching choices they make for their lessons. They also accounted for the tangible effects these methods had on students’ motivation in the subject. As per the results of this study, it is perceived that the interviewed teachers base their teaching on the previously described learning theories. As they are a vital part of our education and learning in Sweden it is fair to point out that the integrating of these teaching and learning theories fit different scenarios of learning differently. Therefore, they absolutely need not necessarily be considered as contradicting each other as much as complementing the other as evidently shown in the study. Because learning theories have differing focus in learning, teachers would be well placed in their pedagogical aspirations by using different learning perspectives to be able to cater for different aspects of learning. Furthermore, different curriculum needs may require different theoretical learning focus. The teachers’ descriptions about their teaching methods suggest that they seek theoretical support and inspiration from various learning theories, more so, in this study, from sociocultural perspective and through pragmatism. This study has also revealed that the teachers make use of an accumulated repertoire of subject know-how and are actively using it in various ways to impact student learning and motivation. As teachers, the right attitude would be to understand which methods fit the class dynamic as this will affect student engagement and subsequently, performance and motivation. It is clear therefore, that the need to adapt teaching to cater for students’ individual needs should be deemed a good reason to help unlock students’ potential in their quest for knowledge acquisition

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Nivens, Ryan Andrew. "Teaching Mathematics Methods During Residency 1." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2015. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/220.

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McOsker, Megan. "Student Understanding of Error and Variability in Primary Science Communication." Fogler Library, University of Maine, 2009. http://www.library.umaine.edu/theses/pdf/McOskerM2009.pdf.

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Wolfe, James S. "Let the computer teach itself : an examination of teaching machines among other methods of teaching in computer science." Virtual Press, 1988. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/546138.

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Better methods for teaching computer science are needed. While no clear winner emerges in studies on the effectiveness of teaching media, the use of several media can be mutually reinforcing. Methods available to computer science teachers include lecturing, giving projector demonstrations, conducting hands-on sessions, monitoring independent study, and making a teaching machine available for group or individual use.A main strength of the teaching machine is its furnishing immediate feedback as students answer its quizzes. Teaching machines can assist in the major components of instruction: presenting information, guiding students, providing practice, and assessing student learning. They may take the form of tutorials, drills, simulations, or games. Good tutorials include directions, presentation frames, quizzes, assessment of student responses (with hints following mistakes), and facility to branch to different parts of the machine. A teaching machine's usefulness may be validated by comparing pre-test and post-test scores, by tracking student performance, and by field observation. Machines may be used solo or as a supplement and used with a whole class or as a means for bright students to forge ahead or slow students to catch up.
Department of Computer Science

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Crabill, Thomas V. "Teaching Methods of a Successful College Soccer Coach." University of Akron / OhioLINK, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1399642117.

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Cheema, Tabinda Shahid, of Western Sydney Nepean University, and Faculty of Education. "Laboratory based instruction in Pakistan: comparative evaluation of three laboratory instruction methods in biological science at higher secondary school level." THESIS_FE_XXX_Cheema_T.xml, 1994. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/271.

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This study of laboratory based instruction at higher secondary school level was an attempt to gain some insight into the effectiveness of three laboratory instruction methods: cooperative group instruction method, individualised instruction method and lecture demonstration method on biology achievement and retention. A Randomised subjects, Pre-test Post-test Comparative Methods Design was applied. Three groups of students from a year 11 class in Pakistan conducted experiments using the different laboratory instruction methods. Pre-tests, achievement tests after the experiments and retention tests one month later were administered. Results showed no significant difference between the groups on total achievement and retention, nor was there any significant difference on knowledge and comprehension test scores or skills performance. Future research investigating a similar problem is suggested
Master of Education (Hons)

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Al-Hor, Abdul Aziz Mohamed. "Co-operative learning and the new primary science curriculum in the State of Qatar." Thesis, Durham University, 1996. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/1515/.

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Lam, Wai-lin. "Teaching methods and approaches to learning in science among Secondary 1 students in Hong Kong." [Hong Kong] : University of Hong Kong, 1994. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B13833492.

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Striclyn, Joyce Ann. "What effect will using inquiry methods of teaching science have on sixth grade students?" Montana State University, 2011. http://etd.lib.montana.edu/etd/2011/striclyn/StriclynJ0811.pdf.

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How should science be taught? Is it enough to be familiar with vocabulary words and to learn concepts others have figured out? Or should the desire to know be the initiator and sustainer of the learning situation? How should science be taught? This project studies the effect of using the 5E method of inquiry - Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, Evaluate - to teach sixth grade students. Of interest was the effect it would have on students' attitude towards science, their understanding of science content, students' data collection and data organizational skills, students' ability to design and conduct a controlled experiment, and the effect on the teacher. Ninety-seven students were taught two units using the 5E method of inquiry. The results were compared to units that were taught by non-inquiry methods. Student tests, surveys, interviews, and performance tests were considered in the analysis. The conclusions were that students did improve data collection and organizational skills and in their ability to design and conduct a controlled experiment. Content scores were actually lower for the inquiry unit. Interviews and surveys indicated that students were more engaged in the inquiry units. Survey results showed that students liked science less after the year of school but teacher observations and student interviews confirmed more engagement. Survey results showed that the change in attitude was due to it being more complicated. The units using inquiry methods took longer to complete than non-inquiry units. The teacher could not just cover the material. Students needed time to process the information and discuss and explore with activities. Inquiry methods created more work for me, the teacher, because I had to alter the activities to make them inquiry, and compile student data to find patterns in student ideas. The misconceptions were more obvious since students were required to explain and discuss, and it took time to deal with these misconceptions. It was exciting work because there was a strong feeling of engagement in the classroom.

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Lam, Wai-lin, and 林慧蓮. "Teaching methods and approaches to learning in science among Secondary1 students in Hong Kong." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1994. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31957195.

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Onal, Ilke. "Effects Of Constructivist Instruction On The Achievement, Attitude, Science Process Skills And Retention In Science Teaching Methods Ii Course." Phd thesis, METU, 2008. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/3/12609554/index.pdf.

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The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of constructivist instruction on the achievement, attitude towards science teaching, science process skills and retention of fourth grade preservice science teachers in Science Teaching Methods II course. Two groups (one experimental and one control) were assigned from Hacettepe University Faculty of Education Department of Science Education. Experimental group consisted of 53 preservice science teachers and the control group consisted of 50 preservice science teachers
totally 103 preservice science teachers participated in this study. Quasi experimental research design was used in this study. Constructivist instruction was used in experimental group and traditional instruction was used in control group during the teaching and learning process. This research study was conducted in fall semester of the 2007-2008 academic year and lasted 15 weeks including the final examination term. Science Process Skills Test, Attitude towards Science Teaching Scale and Achievement Test in Science Teaching Methods II course were administered to participants three times
at the beginning of the study, immediately after the implementation process and 10 weeks later. A mixed between within ANOVA with repeated measures was used as a statistical technique for analyzing quantitative data and both descriptive and content analysis was used for analyzing questionnaire, formative and summative focus group interviews. Statistical mean difference was obtained for all tests in favor of experimental group and the findings of quantitative data analysis results were supported by the qualitative data analysis results. After interpreting the results, it can be claimed that constructivist instruction is effective in preservice science education.

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Abu-Hola, Imfadi R. A. "Jordanian primary students' science achievement and attitudes towards science stemming from small cooperative-group and lecture-demonstration teaching methods." Thesis, University of Liverpool, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.363948.

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Varma, Tina. "Preservice elementary teachers' perceptions of their understanding of scientific inquiry-based pedagogy and their confidence to teach science influence of elementary science education methods course and science field experience /." Diss., Columbia, Mo. : University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10355/4763.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007.
The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on April 10, 2009) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

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Hung, Cheung-ling. "A study of the teaching methods used by integrated science teachers in Hong Kong secondary schools." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 1988. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B1803925X.

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Brannan, Gary Eugene. "An Interdisciplinary Course for Non-Science Majors: Students' Views on Science Attitudes, Beliefs, and the Nature of Science." [Tampa, Fla.] : University of South Florida, 2004. http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/SFE0000476.

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Tlala, Kedibone Magdeline. "The effect of predict-observe-explain strategy on learner's misconceptions about dissolved salts." Thesis, University of Limpopo ( Turfloop campus), 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/641.

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Thesis (M.Ed.) --University of Limpopo, 2011
Misconceptions learners bring to class are in sharp contrast to acceptable science. These misconceptions emanate from a variety of sources including the way educators teach, textbooks used by teachers and from life experiences. These misconceptions at high school (Grade 10) are a potential source of learning difficulty regarding understanding how salts dissolve in water. To assist learners to overcome such difficulties, learner-centred and activity-based intervention, Predict-Observe-explain (POE), was used in this study. The sample consisted of 93 Grade 10 Physical Sciences learners from two neighbouring schools situated in Moutse West circuit, Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province. 53% of the students involved in this study were males and 47% were females. The purpose of this study was to investigate Grade 10 Science learners’ conceptual understanding of dissolved salts and to explore the use of POE strategy in order to reduce learners’ misconceptions about the dissolved salts. The study also, explored students’ prior knowledge of concepts related to the dissolved salts and determined the effectiveness of POE strategy on males and females. A quasi-experimental design was used where the experimental group (EG) used POE strategy during treatment and where the control group (CG) used the traditional teaching using lecturing and demonstrations. Before the start of the study, both groups wrote a pre-test using the Achievement Test (AT) to determine science baseline knowledge. Thereafter the intervention for EG and lecturing for CG followed and lasted for five weeks. After the intervention, both groups wrote the post-test to determine learners’ achievements. The post-test was followed by interviews to discover issues that were not identified during the AT. The quantitative data were analysed using both the t-test and the Analysis of Co-variance (ANCOVA). The qualitative data collected through interviews were coded to form themes and later themes were organised in categories. The results show that EG performed better in the post-test than the CG their counterpart. More importantly, this study identified two new misconceptions that have not been reported in the literature: salts dissolve in water when it is in ‘fine’ grains; and solid sodium chloride is not an ionic compound. Furthermore, findings from AT revealed that students’ conceptual understanding of how salts are formed, how salts dissolve in water and how salts ionise improved dramatically especially from the EG, but not for the CG. Data collected on the AT post-test for EG show that males (mean 21.13 ± 9.72 SD) achieved better than females (mean 12.73 ± SD 5.97) and t-test p = 0.004. On macro level concepts, females from CG achieved higher scores than the males from the same group. Conversely, on micro level, the CG achievements were lower than the EG in males and females, suggesting that POE favours the reduction of misconceptions not only at macroscopic levels, but also at microscopic levels. The findings in this study highlight the need for educators, curriculum developers and textbook writers to work together in order to include various elements of POE in the curriculum as a model for conceptual change at high school science classroom.

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Bulunuz, Mizrap. "Development of Interest in Science and Interest in Teaching Elementary Science: Influence of Informal, School, and Inquiry Methods Course Experiences." Digital Archive @ GSU, 2007. http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/ece_diss/3.

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Inquiry-based science instruction is a major goal of science education reform. However, there is little research examining how preservice elementary teachers might be motivated to teach through inquiry. This quantitative study was designed to examine the role of background experiences and an inquiry science methods course on interest in science and interest in teaching science. The course included many activities and assignments at varying levels of inquiry, designed to teach content and inquiry methods and to model effective teaching. The study involved analyses of surveys completed by students in the course on their experiences with science before, during, and at the end of the course. The following questions guided the design of this study and analysis of the data: 1.What science background experiences (school, home, and informal education) do participants have and how do those experiences affect initial interest in science? 2.Among the hands-on activities in the methods course, is there a relationship between level of inquiry of the activity and the motivational quality (interesting, fun, and learning) of the activity? 3.Does the course affect participants’ interest and attitude toward science? 4.What aspects of the course contribute to participants’ interest in teaching science and choice to teach science? Descriptive and inferential analysis of a background survey revealed that participants with high and low initial interest in science differed significantly on remembering about elementary school science and involvement in science related activities in childhood/youth. Analysis of daily ratings of each hands-on activity on motivational qualities (fun, interest, and learning) indicated that there were significant differences in motivational quality of the activities by level of inquiry with higher levels of inquiry rated more positively. Pre/post surveys indicated that participants increased in interest in science and a number of variables reflecting more positive feelings about science and science teaching. Regression analysis found that the best predictors for interest in teaching science were experiencing fun activities in the science methods course followed by the interest participants brought to the course. This study highlights the motivational aspects of the methods course in developing interest in science and interest in teaching science.

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Hung, Cheung-ling, and 孔祥齡. "A study of the teaching methods used by integrated science teachers inHong Kong secondary schools." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1988. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31955782.

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Cardwell, Steven McDonald. "A study to determine the nature of science teachers' functional paradigms using qualitative research methods." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/28593.

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It is believed that one of the overriding factors that has contributed to the resistance to curriculum change on the part of teachers is that some of the new curricula seem to require a major change in teaching methodology and style. This change amounts to a conflict between paradigms. If this belief is correct, then one can argue that there will have to be a shift in teachers' functional paradigms in order for these curriculum innovations to be implemented. The study focuses on the goals, problems, exemplars, and routines, which constitute the "functional paradigms" of teachers. The term "functional paradigm" is meant to convey the idea that the characteristics which unite a community of practitioners are likely to be centered on practical matters: Why do teachers function in particular ways? Do teachers attach "common meanings" to particular situations or entitles? The following specific research questions were examined: 1. What are some of the factors which influence the formulation of teachers' functional paradigms? 2. What is the nature of teachers' functional paradigms? 3. a) What are the perceptions of teachers with regard to curriculum change? b) What is the relationship between teachers' functional paradigms and their perceptions of curriculum change? c) To what extent do teachers' functional paradigms become idiosyncratic when they are faced with a curriculum change? The methodology involved interviews with teachers. A pilot study was conducted prior to the main study. The interviews in the main study were analyzed in terms of six main categories. The results seem to indicate: 1. There are common categories and sub-categories that contribute to the formation, development, and maintenance of teachers/ functional paradigms. They include: o past educational experiences. o background in general. o practicum experiences. o past and present teaching experiences. o curriculum materials. o constraints on teaching. o school, students, and other workers in the school. 2. There seems to be a "core" of common categories among teachers. The intersection of elements within these categories composes the functional paradigms of teachers in general. Although the paradigms are functional in an active sense, they are relatively stable within the "culture", and over the long term. This stability must be considered if innovators in education ever contemplate a change which would require a shift in teachers'" functional paradigms. This commonality of beliefs, routines, problems, and exemplars is probably greater among teachers within the same small segment of the organization than within the entire profession. 3. Evidently, teachers select, interpret, and utilize learning materials in different ways dependent on the nature of their personal functional paradigms. A number of differing elements in teachers'' functional paradigms have been identified. These elements determine how teachers teach in terms of their use of curriculum materials. Curriculum change agents must consider the functional paradigms of individuals and determine how common these paradigms are before attempting a major pedagogical change. This study has shown that if these factors are not considered, then the curriculum change that is contemplated will be reduced to a mere change in content. The teachers will utilize the curriculum materials according to their own functional paradigms. 4. The inertia against curriculum change is most difficult to overcome with more experienced teachers, and more easily overcome with beginning teachers. This suggests that the focus of curriculum implementation needs to be aimed at certain segments of the profession. Somehow the change agents must assist educators to change their functional paradigms to meet the desired ends of the new curriculum prior to implementation. The alternative is the disparity that seems to exist between the curriculum that is intended by the policy makers, the curriculum that is implemented by the teachers, and the curriculum that is ultimately attained by the students.
Education, Faculty of
Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of
Graduate

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Gyllenpalm, Jakob. "Teachers' Language of Inquiry : The Conflation Between Methods of Teaching and Scientific Inquiry in Science Education." Doctoral thesis, Stockholms universitet, Institutionen för matematikämnets och naturvetenskapsämnenas didaktik, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-42694.

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The objective of this thesis is to describe and analyse customs of science teaching in secondary schools and teacher education programmes in Sweden in relation to the notion of “inquiry” in science education. The main focus is on customs of language use and the educational goal of learning about scientific inquiry as distinct from the related goals of learning to do inquiry and learning canonical science content. There is also an exploration and description of different teaching approaches associated with “inquiry”. Previous research has noted that a key issue for reaching the goal of learning about scientific inquiry is the extent to which teachers are able to guide students to explicitly reflect upon this topic. A prerequisite is that teachers give students access to relevant categories of language for explicit reflection on the characteristics of scientific inquiry. Because of the situated nature of language use and learning, this also raises the need to address topics of context, culture and customs in science education. This thesis addresses the questions of how existing customs of teaching science are related to the goal of learning about scientific inquiry, how inquiry-related terminology is used in this context, and how relevant distinctions can be made to aid explicit reflection on these issues. Data has been collected in two studies and analysed and presented in four papers. Study 1 is based on interviews with twelve secondary school science teachers, and Study 2 is based on focus group interviews with 32 pre-service teacher students. The results include a description of the existing customs of inquiry-oriented instructional approaches in Swedish secondary schools. They show that these are often not connected with an explicit focus on teaching about the characteristics of scientific inquiry. Inquiry-related terminology is analysed with a focus on the role and use of the terms “hypothesis” and “experiment”. Based on a theoretical framework of sociocultural and pragmatist views on language and learning, it is shown how the use of these terms, both in secondary schools and teacher education, tend to conflate the two categories methods of teaching and methods of scientific inquiry. Some problematic consequences for reaching the goal of learning about scientific inquiry are discussed, as well as possible origins of the problems and how the results from this thesis can be useful in overcoming these.
At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 3: Submitted. Paper 4: Submitted.

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Hoffenberg, Rebecca Sue. "An Investigation into Teacher Support of Science Explanation in High School Science Inquiry Units." PDXScholar, 2013. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/1103.

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The Framework for K-12 Science Education, the foundation for the Next Generation Science Standards, identifies scientific explanation as one of the eight practices "essential for learning science." In order to design professional development to help teachers implement these new standards, we need to assess students' current skill level in explanation construction, characterize current teacher practice surrounding it, and identify best practices for supporting students in explanation construction. This multiple-case study investigated teacher practice in eight high school science inquiry units in the Portland metro area and the scientific explanations the students produced in their work samples. Teacher Instructional Portfolios (TIPs) were analyzed with a TIP rubric based on best practices in teaching science inquiry and a qualitative coding scheme. Written scientific explanations were analyzed with an explanation rubric and qualitative codes. Relationships between instructional practices and explanation quality were examined. The study found that students struggle to produce high quality explanations. They have the most difficulty including adequate reasoning with science content. Also, teachers need to be familiar with the components of explanation and use a variety of pedagogical techniques to support students' explanation construction. Finally, the topic of the science inquiry activity should be strongly connected to the content in the unit, and students need a firm grasp of the scientific theory or model on which their research questions are based to adequately explain their inquiry results.

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Bulunuz, Mizrap. "Development of interest in science and interest in teaching elementary science [electronic resource] : influence of infprmal, school, and inquiry methods course experiences /." unrestricted, 2007. http://etd.gsu.edu/theses/available/etd-12122006-150931/.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Georgia State University, 2006.
Title from file title page. Olga S. Jarrett, committee chair; Lynn Hart, Lisa Martin-Hansen, Brian Williams, committee members. Electronic text (198 p.) : digital, PDF file. Description based on contents viewed June 4, 2008. Includes bibliographical references (p. 158-178).

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Wallis, A. C. "Science teachers' conceptions of energy." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 1989. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/10020187/.

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Maronde, Dan. "The effectiveness of teaching methods designed to improve student engagement and retention of physics subject matter for both science and non-science majors." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4976.

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Students' mastery of concepts is evaluated using pre- and post-tests, and effects on class performance and retention within the major are examined. Input from both groups of students in the study was obtained through interviews and surveys.; The necessity of students' engagement with the subject matter for successful learning is well-documented in education research in general, and in physics education research in particular. This study examines the merits of two different programs designed to improve student learning through enhanced student engagement with the material. The target populations of the two programs are different: One is the group of students taking a physical science class as part of the general curriculum required of non-science, non-engineering majors; the other is the group of students, mostly in engineering disciplines, who must take the calculus-based introductory physics sequence as part of their majors' core curriculum. The physical science class is required for non-science majors due to the importance of having a science-literate public. To improve this group's engagement with the subject matter, Physics in Films approaches the subject in the context of scenes taken from popular Hollywood films. Students' learning in the class is evaluated by comparison between performance on pre- and post-tests. The students are also polled on their confidence in their answers on both tests, as an improved belief in their own knowledge is one of the goals of the class. For the calculus-based physics group, a large issue is retention within the major. Many students change to non-science majors before the completion of their degree. An improved understanding of the material in the introductory physics sequence should help alleviate this problem. The Physics Suite is a multi-part introductory physics curriculum based on physics education research. It has been shown to be effective in several studies when used in its entirety. Here, portions of the curriculum have been used in select sections of the introductory physics classes. Their effectiveness, both individually and in conjunction, is studied.
ID: 029809914; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 122-125).
Ph.D.
Doctorate
Physics
Sciences

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Kelly, Karinsa Michelle. "Science Journals in the Garden: Developing the Skill of Observation in Elementary Age Students." PDXScholar, 2013. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/1536.

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The ability to make and record scientific observations is critical in order for students to engage in successful inquiry, and provides a sturdy foundation for children to develop higher order cognitive processes. Nevertheless, observation is taken for granted in the elementary classroom. This study explores how linking school garden experience with the use of science journals can support this skill. Students participated in a month-long unit in which they practiced their observation skills in the garden and recorded those observations in a science journal. Students' observational skills were assessed using pre- and post-assessments, student journals, and student interviews using three criteria: Accuracy, Detail, and Quantitative Data. Statistically significant improvements were found in the categories of Detail and Quantitative Data. Scores did improve in the category of Accuracy, but it was not found to be a statistically significant improvement.

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Gatling, Anne Pfitzner. "Investigating the impact of field verses university-based science methods on preservice teachers' belief and abilities to design inquiry-based science instruction for diverse learners." Thesis, Boston College, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/2345/1163.

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Thesis advisor: Michael G. Barnett
Elementary science instruction and teacher preparation need improvement for various reasons: 1) preservice teachers lack opportunities to experience (Windschitl, 2003) or observe (Smith, 1999) inquiry science, 2) pre-service teachers have even fewer opportunities to practice teaching science in a classroom settings (Hewson, Tabachnick, Zeichner, & Lemberger, 1999); and 3) methods courses and field experiences fail to provide proper scaffolding and support for science teaching (Crawford, 1999). One way to improve preservice teacher growth and understanding in teaching inquiry science is through supported field based teaching experiences (Eick, Ware, & Williams, 2003). However, research is necessary to examine how innovative field-based science methods courses compare to traditional, university-based science methods course. This mixed methods study compares the experiences of thirty-two preservice teachers with a specific focus on four preservice teachers involved in either a field-based science methods course or a university-based science methods course. It examines the impact of the two courses on preservice teachers' confidence in teaching science content and beliefs regarding the role of inquiry-based science instruction with culturally and linguistically diverse students. Data sources included a pre/post survey that was distributed to preservice teachers in both courses, with additional interviews and final unit reviews for each of the four preservice teacher case studies. Themes were identified and re-examined through an analysis of the data which informed the development of four case studies, two from each class, to investigate specific trends between the two methods courses. Findings indicate that both field- and university-based instruction have strengths and weaknesses. This research suggests that field-based methods have a stronger impact on improving preservice teachers' beliefs and skills in regard to designing inquiry-based instruction for diverse students, while university-based course promotes greater confidence in preservice teachers' ability to teach different science content areas. However, preservice teachers in both courses struggled to create inquiry-based science lessons where students used evidence to support claims or construct explanations
Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2010
Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education
Discipline: Teacher Education, Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction

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Patterson, Rudolph Albert. "Using hot air balloons to boost middle school students' understanding of the mole concept." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 1997. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/1376.

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Wisdom, Sonya L. "How a Science Methods Course May Influence the Curriculum Decisions of Preservice Teachers in The Bahamas." Kent State University / OhioLINK, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1279591543.

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Hays, Lauren. "Academic Librarians' Teacher Identity Development through the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning| A Mixed Methods Study." Thesis, Northwest Nazarene University, 2018. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10810849.

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This dissertation was an explanatory sequential mixed methods study that sought to understand academic librarians’ involvement and experience in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). Specifically, the researcher studied academic librarians’ teacher identity development through SoTL. Quantitative data were collected from a survey sent to the Association of College and Research Libraries Information Literacy listserv. Semi-structured interviews with seven academic instruction librarians who took part in the survey provided qualitative data that complemented and built upon the survey results. The theoretical framework, Communities of Practice, guided and supported the research. Results from the study indicated that academic instruction librarians are involved in SoTL for a variety of reasons, but primarily because they believe participation in SoTL improves their teaching. Also, the null hypothesis of if librarians engage in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, their identities will be the same as they were before was rejected, and the research hypothesis was accepted. Engagement in SoTL does impact academic instruction librarians’ teacher identity. After involvement in SoTL most research participants reported that their view of themselves as a teacher grew. Participation in SoTL also impacted academic instruction librarians’ instructional practices. After participation in SoTL, study participants reported an increase in their attitude toward self-improvement and in their use of active learning strategies. These study findings have implications for Library and Information Science (LIS) graduate schools, academic library administrations, and professional development organizations.

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Chounlamany, Kongsy, and Bounchanh Khounphilaphanh. "New methods of teaching? : refroming education in Lao PDR." Doctoral thesis, Umeå universitet, Pedagogiska institutionen, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-40938.

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This thesis is about the recent education reform in Laos as a global and a local process. When the economy was deteriorating in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), the so called New Economic Mechanism (NEM) was introduced and the country opened up for global donors and markets. This also had an effect on the education system. To get hold of financial support there were demands on Lao PDR to replace the previous strong centralised governing of education with more decentralised strategies. There were further demands to replace teacher-led lessons and rote learning with more student-centred classroom practices. The research questions asked in this thesis are: How are education reform and the new methods of teaching governed in policy and through the formal education organisations from ministry level to school level? How do teachers and students in teacher education respond to the education reform and the new methods of teaching? What attention is put to gender and ethnic minorities in these matters? The thesis is inspired by Gita Steiner-Khamsi’s global perspectives on education reform; consensus, conflict and culturalist perspectives. It is also based on a local understanding taking its starting point in a pragmatic approach and a mosaic epistemology and a qualitative inductive methodological approach. The empirical findings are based on 36 documents that govern the education reform, 119 individual interviews with teachers and students in social science and science at teacher education, some observations and a contextual analysis of education, gender and ethnicity in Laos. The findings show that there is a consensus with the international community about bringing education to all people in Lao PDR. However, the political understanding is in conflict between neoliberal and socialist traditions. Democratic centralism is the foundation which built the governing system in Laos; information flows up through the system and decisions down. Even though the system leaves 20 percent autonomy to teachers to develop local curricula in line with the new methods of teaching, there are yet no major signs that such curricula exist. Teacher educators and teacher students understand new methods of teaching mainly as group learning and individual learning with only small variations between the two subjects. According to current policy the goal is to improve access to education for females and ethnic minority students. The ethnic minority students regarded individual studies as difficult because of language problems. They preferred group learning because they could be supported in language issues. Females also felt supported in group learning. However, because of old gender traditions especially females from the dominating Lao Loum group also found individual learning supportive. In individual learning females got opportunities to show individual capacities without being constrained by societal norms. The thesis ends up in a pragmatic tradition where possibilities and constraints with the education reform in Lao PDR are commented on.

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Miller, Nancy S. "Left-Handedness: Are Some Teaching Styles Inhibiting their Learning?" Defiance College / OhioLINK, 2003. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=def1281624303.

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Niedo, Noelle Frances Garcia. "A Pilot Study on Methods to Introduce Teachers to New Science Standards." Thesis, Portland State University, 2017. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10250061.

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With the recent adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards in Oregon, there is a great need for teachers to be trained to effectively implement the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in their teaching. Time and location are the largest constraining factors that affect teacher participation in professional development trainings. To address this constraint, Tryon Creek State Park offered a NGSS professional development training opportunity for teachers that was integrated within a field trip that they took their students on. Before the field trip, teachers were introduced to the NGSS through a set of NGSS pre-field trip materials which informed them about the NGSS and how aspects of it would be integrated into their students’ field trip. Teachers accompanied their students on a two-hour long field trip at Tryon Creek State Park where teachers observed nature guides model NGSS-aligned activities for the students. My research aimed to answer the following question: How will an informal science education program at Tryon Creek State Park affect K-2 teachers’ awareness of the Next Generation Science Standards? Outcomes were measured through a pre/post retrospective survey and follow-up interviews. On the survey teachers reported little awareness of the three dimensions of the NGSS and very few of the teachers increased their understanding after the treatment. On the other hand, most had a high level of awareness and confidence in teaching factual information supporting the NGSS prior to treatment, resulting in a ceiling effect. Interviews suggested that few teachers read the materials sent in advance of the field trip, but teachers who did read the materials indicated increases in understanding of the NGSS. During the field trip several of the nature guides were effective in modeling science and engineering practices. These findings suggest that this method of professional development is promising, but needs further refinement.

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Love, Tyler S. "Examining the Extent to Which Select Teacher Preparation Experiences Inform Technology and Engineering Educators’ Teaching of Science Content and Practices." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/64004.

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With the recent release of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) (NGSS Lead States, 2014b) science educators were expected to teach engineering content and practices within their curricula. However, technology and engineering (T&E) educators have been expected to teach content and practices from engineering and other disciplines since the release of the Standards for Technological Literacy (ITEA/ITEEA, 2000/2002/2007). Requisite to the preparation of globally competitive STEM literate individuals is the intentional, concurrent teaching of science, technology, and engineering concepts. Many studies have examined the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) (Shulman, 1987) of science and T&E educators, but none have examined the science PCK of T&E educators. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent of the relationship between T&E educator’s science and T&E preparation experiences, and their teaching of science content and practices. This study, which employed a fully integrated mixed methods design (Teddlie & Tashakkori, 2006), was conducted to inform the pre- and in-service preparation needs for T&E educators. A random sample of 55 Foundations of Technology (FoT) teachers across 12 school systems within one state participated in an online survey, leading to eight teachers being purposefully selected for classroom observations. Data collected from the surveys and classroom observations were analyzed through Spearman’s rho tests to examine relationships between preparation factors and teaching of science content and practices. These data were corroborated with curriculum content analyses, classroom observations, and interview responses to validate the results. Analyses of the data across all three methods revealed significant correlations between many preparation factors and the teaching of science content and practices. Specifically the amount of high school and undergraduate physics courses, and T&E and science in-service delivered were found to have statistically significant, strong positive correlations. These findings suggest T&E educators with increased amounts of these preparation experiences can be expected to teach science content and practices more proficiently. The findings and conclusions drawn from the data analyses provide implications for science and T&E educators, researchers, preservice programs, and in-service professional development efforts. The discussion and implications suggest the need to conduct replication studies in different contexts.
Ph. D.

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Love, Tyler Scott. "Examining the Extent to Which Select Teacher Preparation Experiences Inform Technology and Engineering Educators’ Teaching of Science Content and Practices." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/64004.

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With the recent release of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) (NGSS Lead States, 2014b) science educators were expected to teach engineering content and practices within their curricula. However, technology and engineering (T&E) educators have been expected to teach content and practices from engineering and other disciplines since the release of the Standards for Technological Literacy (ITEA/ITEEA, 2000/2002/2007). Requisite to the preparation of globally competitive STEM literate individuals is the intentional, concurrent teaching of science, technology, and engineering concepts. Many studies have examined the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) (Shulman, 1987) of science and T&E educators, but none have examined the science PCK of T&E educators. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent of the relationship between T&E educator’s science and T&E preparation experiences, and their teaching of science content and practices. This study, which employed a fully integrated mixed methods design (Teddlie & Tashakkori, 2006), was conducted to inform the pre- and in-service preparation needs for T&E educators. A random sample of 55 Foundations of Technology (FoT) teachers across 12 school systems within one state participated in an online survey, leading to eight teachers being purposefully selected for classroom observations. Data collected from the surveys and classroom observations were analyzed through Spearman’s rho tests to examine relationships between preparation factors and teaching of science content and practices. These data were corroborated with curriculum content analyses, classroom observations, and interview responses to validate the results. Analyses of the data across all three methods revealed significant correlations between many preparation factors and the teaching of science content and practices. Specifically the amount of high school and undergraduate physics courses, and T&E and science in-service delivered were found to have statistically significant, strong positive correlations. These findings suggest T&E educators with increased amounts of these preparation experiences can be expected to teach science content and practices more proficiently. The findings and conclusions drawn from the data analyses provide implications for science and T&E educators, researchers, preservice programs, and in-service professional development efforts. The discussion and implications suggest the need to conduct replication studies in different contexts.
Ph. D.

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Mpeta, Mamotena. "The influence of the beliefs of teachers and learners on the teaching and learning of evolution." Thesis, University of Pretoria, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/40231.

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This study explores and describes the beliefs of teachers and learners with regards to the concept of biological evolution and how those beliefs affect the teaching and the learning of the concept. Multiple research methods were used to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data from Grade 12 Life Sciences learners and teachers from five secondary schools in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province. Quantitative data included biographical information. The Measure of Acceptance of the Theory of Evolution (MATE) was used to assess acceptance of evolution by learners. Qualitative data included opinions of teachers and learners about evolution and how it was taught and learned. The results showed that the background of the participants, such as religion and from whom they had first heard of evolution, had a strong influence on their beliefs about evolution. Most of the learners and the five teachers in the study held Christian beliefs and some of them perceived evolution to be in conflict with those beliefs. There was moderate acceptance of evolution by learners. In teaching evolution, all the teachers engaged learners in discussions and debates about evolution, and encouraged them to separate their beliefs from evolution in order to avoid ‘the conflict’. Despite their Christian beliefs and the dissonance between them and evolution, learners were motivated to learn evolution. They felt that evolution was responding to some of the questions they had about themselves, and therefore wanted to understand it more. There was a perception from both teachers and learners that there was not enough evidence in support of evolution, and this is what brings the doubt about its validity. The research encourages further exploration of learners’ and teachers’ beliefs, and assistance of teachers in the nature of science, better understanding of the concept of evolution. In addition, the research advocates assistance for teachers on how to deal with Life Sciences topics perceived to be controversial.
Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2013.
gm2014
Science, Mathematics and Technology Education
unrestricted

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Baker-Lawrence, Anika Rae. "An Investigation into Instructional Support for Data Analysis in High School Science Inquiry." PDXScholar, 2013. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/1534.

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The implementation of scientific inquiry in the high school classroom has proven to be not only relevant and exploratory, but challenging and engaging as well. This style of curriculum design has been recognized as a primary means of achieving the goals and objectives set by the National Resource Council (NRC, 1996). While much research has shown that science inquiry helps students to gain understanding of content knowledge, little research has been conducted to assess gains in higher order thinking skills, specifically those related to data analysis (Anderson, 2002; Germann and Aram, 1996; Hofstein, Navon, Kipnis, and Mamlok-Naaman, 2005; Miner, Levy, and Century, 2009; Windschitl, Thompson, and Braaten, 2008; Zohar and Dori, 2003). Through a better understanding of the scientific inquiry process as well as insights into students' struggles with data analysis, we can better understand how to effectively implement strategies in the classroom that encourage the higher order thinking skill of data analysis. This mixed methods, multiple-case study investigated teacher practice in eight high school science inquiry units in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and the data analyses that students produced in their accompanying work samples. The results of this study indicate that students struggle to produce proficient analysis and interpretations of data. The areas of student struggle were in the areas that required higher order thinking: analyzing results, drawing conclusions, and communicating results. Furthermore, this research discusses areas of data analysis instruction that may benefit from professional development opportunities.

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Taylor, Bernard Wayne. "A Study of Anxiety Reducing Teaching Methods and Computer Anxiety among Community College Students." Thesis, University of North Texas, 1992. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc277692/.

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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between anxiety reducing teaching methods and computer anxiety levels and learning gain of students in a college level introductory computer course. Areas examined were the computer anxiety levels of students categorized by selected demographic variables, the learning gain of students categorized by selected demographic variables, and anxiety levels and learning gain of students after completion of the course. Data for the investigation were collected via the Standardized Test of Computer Literacy (STCL) and the Computer Opinion Survey (CAIN), developed by Michael Simonson et al. at Iowa State University. The nonequivalent pretest/posttest control group design was used. The statistical procedure was the t test for independent groups, with the level of significance set at the .05 level. The data analysis was accomplished using the StatPac Gold statistical analysis package for the microcomputer. Based upon the analysis of the data, both hypotheses of the study were rejected. Research hypothesis number one was that students in a class using computer anxiety reducing teaching methods would show a greater reduction in computer anxiety levels than students in a traditional class. Hypothesis number two was that students in a class using computer anxiety reducing methods would show a greater learning gain than students in a traditional class. This research revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the computer anxiety levels or the learning gain of students between the control group and the experimental group.

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Asim, Sumreen. "Teaching beyond the walls: A mixed method study of prospective elementary teacher's belief systems about science instruction." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2016. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc849671/.

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This mixed method study investigated K-6 teacher candidates' beliefs about informal science instruction prior to and after their experiences in a 15-week science methods course and in comparison to a non-intervention group. The study is predicated by the literature that supports the extent to which teachers' beliefs influence their instructional practices. The intervention integrated the six strands of learning science in informal science education (NRC, 2009) and exposed candidates to out-of-school-time environments (NRC, 2010). Participants included 17 candidates in the intervention and 75 in the comparison group. All were undergraduate K-6 teacher candidates at one university enrolled in different sections of a required science methods course. All the participants completed the Beliefs about Science Teaching (BAT) survey. Reflective journals, drawings, interviews, and microteaching protocols were collected from participants in the intervention. There was no statistically significant difference in pre or post BAT scores of the two groups; However, there was a statistically significant interaction effect for the intervention group over time. Analysis of the qualitative data revealed that the intervention candidates displayed awareness of each of the six strands of learning science in informal environments and commitment to out-of-school-time learning of science. This study supports current reform efforts favoring integration of informal science instructional strategies in science methods courses of elementary teacher education programs.

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Milner-Bolotin, Marina. "The effects of topic choice in project-based instruction on undergraduate physical science students' interest, ownership, and motivation." Full text (PDF) from UMI/Dissertation Abstracts International Full text (off-campus access restricted to users with UT Austin EID), 2001. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/utexas/fullcit?p3033585.

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Tash, Gina G. "A phenomenological study of assessment methods in the inquiry -based science classroom: How do educators decide?" ScholarWorks, 2009. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/667.

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The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of science educators as they select and develop assessment methods for inquiry learning. Balancing preparations for standardized tests and authentic inquiry assessment experiences can be challenging for science educators. The review of literature revealed that current research focused on instructional methods and assessment, students' assessment experiences, and teachers' instructional methods experiences. There remains a gap in current literature regarding the experiences of science educators as they select and develop assessment methods for inquiry learning. This study filled the gap by providing a description of the experiences of science educators as they select and develop assessments for inquiry learning. The participants in this study were 16 fifth through eighth grade science teachers who participate in the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) in northwest Alabama. A phenomenological research method was chosen in order to describe the experiences of AMSTI science teachers as they select and develop assessments for inquiry learning. Data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions. The data analysis used a modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen framework. The results showed AMSTI science teachers use a variety of assessment resources and methods, feel pressures to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), and implement varying degrees of change in their assessment process due to No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Contributing a positive social change, this study's findings supplied science teachers with descriptions of successful inquiry classrooms and creative assessments that correspond to inquiry-based learning methods.

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Vail, Teresa M. "Teachers' professional development experiences: Implications for teaching practice." Scholarly Commons, 2011. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/28.

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The purpose of this study was to inquire into the ways in which participation in physical science professional development impacts science teachers' professional learning and ultimately their practice over time. This study strove to provide a greater understanding of teachers' processes as they engage in professional learning and make changes in their practice long after the requirements of the professional development have been met. The six respondents that participated in the inquiry were physical science educators who were teaching in four different high schools in Central California. The guiding research question was stated as: How does participation in physical science professional development impact teachers' professional learning and ultimately their practice? Three sub-questions were also explored: In what ways does physical science professional development impact teachers' pedagogical content knowledge over time? In what ways does physical science professional development impact teachers' curriculum decision-making processes over time? In what ways does physical science professional development support a teacher's professional learning over time? Collective case study methodology was used in order to acquire multiple perspectives on the processes of teachers' professional learning and how professional development experiences have impacted this process. From four cross-case analyses of interviews, classroom observations, and documents, six themes emerged elucidating the process of professional learning. The process of professional learning is "driven" by a constant desire to learn resulting in the participation in professional development experiences where bits-n-pieces of curriculum are incorporated into the teachers' practice supported by relationships and reflection. The pressure to conform to education policy tempers the entire process of professional learning. Lastly, the process of professional learning has produced teachers as leaders. Each aspect of the process of professional learning has been impacted by the respondents' participation in professional development. By engaging in the iterative process of professional learning described here, respondents are transforming their professional development experiences in order to learn from and about their practice over extended periods of time. As professional learners, the respondents act as change agents in their own practice, schools and learning communities. Based on the results, implications for practice and recommendations for further inquiry are also presented.

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Apffel, Michael Alexis. "How can a science educator incorporate field study into their advanced high school science courses?" CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2006. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/3046.

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Organizes information and opportunities for high school level science field work and categorizes it to inform the educator of the field study possibilities. Assists educators in overcoming the obstacles of implementing field science into existing science courses. Several field study lesson plans are provided.

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Johnston, Julia Gail. "A Quantitative Analysis of the Effectiveness of Directed-Discovery Teaching Methods and Weekly Quizzes in a Standardized Introductory Earth Science Laboratory Course." MSSTATE, 2006. http://sun.library.msstate.edu/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-07072006-135009/.

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A study was conducted to determine the effects of directed discovery-based teaching methods (hands-on learning) and weekly quizzes on short-term learning and long-term retention of course material in an introductory geosciences laboratory course. Assessment of learning was accomplished using percentages of correct responses to questions on two tests, using percentages from the first semester of the study as a baseline to which data from each subsequent semester were compared to determine the effects of the study variable that was introduced. Student evaluations of value, meaning, and enjoyment of the course were also investigated through the use of an essay question at the end of the second test. The study revealed that directed discovery-based methods were successful for the teaching of some subject material, but not for all, and that the method did not necessarily enhance learning of scientific vocabulary. Weekly quizzes resulted in improved learning in all subject areas. Simultaneous use of traditional and directed-discovery teaching methods as well as weekly quizzes is recommended.

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NDURYA, RUDOLPH. "Vilka metoder kan NO-lärare använda i sin undervisning för att motivera elever i årskurs 4 – 6? : En litteraturstudie om NO-lärares metoder för att motivera elever i årskurs 4 – 6." Thesis, Högskolan i Jönköping, Högskolan för lärande och kommunikation, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-40031.

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Denna studie har för syfte att genom litteraturstudie belysa vilka metoder NO-lärare använder för att motivera elever och öka intresse för ämnet i skolan. En viktig del av elevernas motivation och lust att delta i undervisningen är direkt kopplat till de undervisningsmetoder lärare använder. Lärares sätt att undervisa påverka elevernas motivation och kunskapsutveckling. Syftet med litteraturstudie är att utifrån ett naturvetenskapligt didaktiskt perspektiv undersöka hur NO-lärare kan motivera elever i sin undervisning samt öka vederbörandes intresse för ämnet. Resultatet visar att det är möjligt att genom sin undervisning som NO-lärare, motivera elever positivt. En framgångsrik undervisning inom naturvetenskapen som hjälper elever att nå uppsatta målen och som bidrar till ökad kunskap hos individen bör inte bara diskuteras i endimensionella termer. En kombination av lärarens kunskaper, dennes förmågor och framförhållning i sin dagliga undervisningssituation skapar förutsättningar för elevers lärande och kunskapsutveckling.

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Smith, Patrick Steven. "Learning to Adapt: Online Social Science Instruction in Higher Education." PDXScholar, 2013. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/1089.

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Online learning is a rapidly growing phenomenon in post-secondary education. Institutions of higher learning have embraced online learning for its perceived merits, but without the consideration of how instructors deal with this different learning medium. Little is known of the extent to which different disciplines are suited to the online medium; this is pertinent to disciplines that rely on spontaneous in-person discussion. Furthermore, as colleges continue to invest heavily in online learning, instructors who only possess face-to-face teaching experience may begin teaching online. This poses a pedagogical challenge for instructors who are unfamiliar with the medium. This qualitative, in-depth interview study with ten social science instructors elucidates the process of transition from face-to-face teaching to online teaching. Through grounded analysis, a few key themes emerged. Respondents explain that teaching in the online classroom is qualitatively different from teaching in-person. The asynchronisity of the online classroom - which means students do not "meet", discuss, or learn at the same time - is a subtle yet significant difference between the two mediums. The asynchronous classroom means instructors relinquish control of when and where students will engage in study and discussion, and this requires students to have especially high self-regulatory skills. Respondents also explained that their online courses were several times larger than their in-person ones, with some courses allowing over twice as many students as an in-person course. Consequently, instructors must find new ways to approach teaching in the online medium. This pitfall of relying on old, obsolete methods in the online medium can be avoided if instructors are provided with the peer and pedagogical support of their professional peers, and access to teaching assistants to manage the greater time commitment of teaching online. In order to have a positive experience, online teachers must be willing to take on an intellectual challenge that may defy how they perceive themselves and their role in higher education. If instructors are open to a new intellectual challenge and possess the proper resources, they will become committed to teaching online and perceive the advantages of the medium to outweigh the disadvantages.

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Lee, Robert. "Teaching Algebra through Functional Programming:An Analysis of the Bootstrap Curriculum." BYU ScholarsArchive, 2013. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/3519.

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Bootstrap is a computer-programming curriculum that teaches students to program video games using Racket, a functional programming language based on algebraic syntax. This study investigated the relationship between learning to program video games from a Bootstrap course and the resulting effect on students' understanding of algebra. Courses in three different schools, lasting about six weeks each, were studied. Control and treatment groups were given a pre and post algebra assessment. A qualitative component consisting of observations and interviews was also used to further triangulate findings. Statistical analysis revealed that students who completed the Bootstrap course gained a significantly better understanding of variables and a suggestive improvement in understanding functions. In the assessments, students failed to demonstrate a transfer of the advanced concepts of function composition and piecewise functions from programming to algebraic notation. Interviews with students demonstrated that with coaching, students were able to relate functions written in Racket to functions written in algebraic notation, but were not yet able to transfer their experience of function composition from programming to algebra.

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Ozdemir, Pinar. "Needs Assessment With Special Emphasis On Individual Differences Based On Teaching And Assessment Methods In Science And Technology Classes By Primary School Teachers." Phd thesis, METU, 2007. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12608268/index.pdf.

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The purpose of this study was to explore and investigate perceptions and needs of the primary school teachers&rsquo
in 4th and 5th grade public schools in Yenimahalle and Ç
ankaya districts related to the teaching and assessment methods based on individual differences in science and technology classes. Furthermore this study investigated the teachers&rsquo
perceptions on new science and technology curriculum in Turkey and their perceptions on individual differences. The research type of this study include survey, causal-comparative, and also qualitative research in nature which are non-experimental research methods. The study was conducted in the 2005-2006 academic year in Ankara. Three data collection methods were used to collect data from primary school teachers. First, a needs assessment questionnaire was administered on 155 primary school teachers. Then, the researcher carried out in depth interviews with 13 primary school teachers. Furthermore an observational case study including video typing in two science and technology classes was carried out. Quantitative part of the study was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics by using SPSS (e.g., frequences, percentage analysis, and analyses of variance). Qualitative part of the study was analyzed by using qualitative methods (Generating categories, themes, patterns and coding the data). The findings from quanitative and qualitative data indicated that primary school teachers have various needs to apply teaching and assessment methods based on individual differences related to knowledge, experience, students, parents, administrators, resources, opportunities, time, and science books. Also teachers mostly use new approaches in new Science and Technology Curriculum such as individual presentations.

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Hundley, Stacey A. "A comparative study of traditional lecture methods and interactive lecture methods in introductory geology courses for non-science majors at the college level." Columbus, Ohio : Ohio State University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1196191640.

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Ellison, Michael Steven. "Ninth Grade Student Responses to Authentic Science Instruction." Thesis, Portland State University, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3722299.

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This mixed methods case study documents an effort to implement authentic science and engineering instruction in one teacher’s ninth grade science classrooms in a science-focused public school. The research framework and methodology is a derivative of work developed and reported by Newmann and others (Newmann & Associates, 1996). Based on a working definition of authenticity, data were collected for eight months on the authenticity in the experienced teacher’s pedagogy and in student performance. Authenticity was defined as the degree to which a classroom lesson, an assessment task, or an example of student performance demonstrates construction of knowledge through use of the meaning-making processes of science and engineering, and has some value to students beyond demonstrating success in school (Wehlage et al., 1996). Instruments adapted for this study produced a rich description of the authenticity of the teacher’s instruction and student performance.

The pedagogical practices of the classroom teacher were measured as moderately authentic on average. However, the authenticity model revealed the teacher’s strategy of interspersing relatively low authenticity instructional units focused on building science knowledge with much higher authenticity tasks requiring students to apply these concepts and skills. The authenticity of the construction of knowledge and science meaning-making processes components of authentic pedagogy were found to be greater, than the authenticity of affordances for students to find value in classroom activities beyond demonstrating success in school. Instruction frequently included one aspect of value beyond school, connections to the world outside the classroom, but students were infrequently afforded the opportunity to present their classwork to audiences beyond the teacher.

When the science instruction in the case was measured to afford a greater level of authentic intellectual work, a higher level of authentic student performance on science classwork was also measured. In addition, direct observation measures of student behavioral engagement showed that behavioral engagement was generally high, but not associated with the authenticity of the pedagogy. Direct observation measures of student self-regulation found evidence that when instruction focused on core science and engineering concepts and made stronger connections to the student’s world beyond the classroom, student self-regulated learning was greater, and included evidence of student ownership.

In light of the alignment between the model of authenticity used in this study and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the results suggest that further research on the value beyond school component of the model could improve understanding of student engagement and performance in response to the implementation of the NGSS. In particular, it suggests a unique role environmental education can play in affording student success in K-12 science and a tool to measure that role.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Teaching methods in science'

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