This study explored the extent to which science teacher educators in Norway introduce, teach, and assess graduate attributes (GA), a range of qualities, skills or competences considered vital for one’s survival and thriving in a complex world. A qualitative analysis of views from a sample of science teacher educators revealed majorly an implicit approach to the teaching and assessment of graduate attributes along with the main teaching subjects. Moreover, the lack of a graduate attributes profile for science teachers is impeding the teaching and assessment of these attributes. The findings raise important questions to science educators and policy makers regarding how to best address graduate attributes in science teacher education.
{"title":"Teaching Graduate Attributes along with subject content: Perspectives from Science Teacher Educators","authors":"Festo Kayima","doi":"10.5617/nordina.8982","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5617/nordina.8982","url":null,"abstract":"This study explored the extent to which science teacher educators in Norway introduce, teach, and assess graduate attributes (GA), a range of qualities, skills or competences considered vital for one’s survival and thriving in a complex world. A qualitative analysis of views from a sample of science teacher educators revealed majorly an implicit approach to the teaching and assessment of graduate attributes along with the main teaching subjects. Moreover, the lack of a graduate attributes profile for science teachers is impeding the teaching and assessment of these attributes. The findings raise important questions to science educators and policy makers regarding how to best address graduate attributes in science teacher education.","PeriodicalId":37114,"journal":{"name":"Nordic Studies in Science Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43224373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In Germany there is a very conservative tradition to teach science in separated subjects during the secondary level of education. Considering the importance of knowledge-linking in all relevant learning theories of the 20th century, cross-curricular core concepts, like the concept of energy, found their way into German educational standards for biology, chemistry, and physics in 2005 (KMK, 2005a-c). The aim was to foster both more vertical (i.e. intra-subject) and more horizontal (i.e. inter-subject) linkage in subject-differentiated science education. Existing structural models or approaches to analysing and describing knowledge-linking focus exclusively either on the aspect of vertical or horizontal linkage. Based on existing models and approaches, we developed a theory-based model (MAVerBE) that allows a general analysis of the linking performance in essays. In this study, we investigate to what extent we can identify vertical and horizontal linkage structures in student essays on the cross-curricular core concept of energy in grade 9. Our results presented here give an empirical insight into students’ knowledge-linking in the sense of a normative survey. This survey should permit future comparative studies both on a national and international level to prove the popular assumption of the superiority of integrated-science teaching concerning knowledge-linking.
{"title":"Multidimensional Analysis of Knowledge-Linking within the Concept of Energy in Student Essays","authors":"Dennis Dietz, Claus Bolte","doi":"10.5617/nordina.9284","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5617/nordina.9284","url":null,"abstract":"In Germany there is a very conservative tradition to teach science in separated subjects during the secondary level of education. Considering the importance of knowledge-linking in all relevant learning theories of the 20th century, cross-curricular core concepts, like the concept of energy, found their way into German educational standards for biology, chemistry, and physics in 2005 (KMK, 2005a-c). The aim was to foster both more vertical (i.e. intra-subject) and more horizontal (i.e. inter-subject) linkage in subject-differentiated science education. Existing structural models or approaches to analysing and describing knowledge-linking focus exclusively either on the aspect of vertical or horizontal linkage. Based on existing models and approaches, we developed a theory-based model (MAVerBE) that allows a general analysis of the linking performance in essays. In this study, we investigate to what extent we can identify vertical and horizontal linkage structures in student essays on the cross-curricular core concept of energy in grade 9. Our results presented here give an empirical insight into students’ knowledge-linking in the sense of a normative survey. This survey should permit future comparative studies both on a national and international level to prove the popular assumption of the superiority of integrated-science teaching concerning knowledge-linking.","PeriodicalId":37114,"journal":{"name":"Nordic Studies in Science Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48138861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In this paper, we explore the potentials of applying art-based research methods in science education research. Art-based methods are a range of qualitative methods that draw on performative, creative, and visual elements and thus propose innovative ways to produce knowledge in research. The paper is based on a systematic review of the literature on applying art as research methods in science education research. The review shows that only a few studies within science education use art-based methods as a methodological approach. Additionally, the literature identified through a snowball approach was thematically analysed. Four themes were identified: knowledge made available through artefacts, non-verbal language, more balanced power and positions, and time to reflect. The analysis outlines the strengths embedded within applying art-based methods and the potentials that they present to science education research. The implications for research and limitations of art-based methods are discussed.
{"title":"Art-based methods in science education research","authors":"Ene Ernst Hoppe, Henriette Tolstrup Holmegaard","doi":"10.5617/nordina.9242","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5617/nordina.9242","url":null,"abstract":"In this paper, we explore the potentials of applying art-based research methods in science education research. Art-based methods are a range of qualitative methods that draw on performative, creative, and visual elements and thus propose innovative ways to produce knowledge in research. The paper is based on a systematic review of the literature on applying art as research methods in science education research. The review shows that only a few studies within science education use art-based methods as a methodological approach. Additionally, the literature identified through a snowball approach was thematically analysed. Four themes were identified: knowledge made available through artefacts, non-verbal language, more balanced power and positions, and time to reflect. The analysis outlines the strengths embedded within applying art-based methods and the potentials that they present to science education research. The implications for research and limitations of art-based methods are discussed.","PeriodicalId":37114,"journal":{"name":"Nordic Studies in Science Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44468141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Inquiry-based science education is highly emphasized in recent curricula. Our paper aims to find out more about the connections between science teachers' orientation toward the textbook and the enabling of inquiry-based teaching. It will be important to map this connection better in improving how to facilitate inquiry-based education. The textbook has a strong position in the Norwegian school system, and teaching based on the textbook is often seen as oppositional to inquiry-based teaching. On a national level, more research about the use of textbooks and its implications for science teaching is needed. A survey has been conducted among science teachers at 68 lower secondary schools in three (recently merged into two) counties in Norway. The survey data is used to measure the textbook’s importance for science teachers, and the extent to which the textbook contributes to inquiry in science teaching. Results show that the textbook has a central role for science teachers. The textbook is partly perceived as supportive for facilitating inquiry activities, especially for textbook-oriented teachers. At the same time, the study shows that those teachers who frequently facilitate inquiry are not closely tied to the textbook.
{"title":"Hva stimulerer utforskende undervisning i naturfag? Et studium av rollen for læreboken i noen norske ungdomsskoler.","authors":"Marianne Isaksen, S. Thorvaldsen","doi":"10.5617/nordina.9350","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5617/nordina.9350","url":null,"abstract":"Inquiry-based science education is highly emphasized in recent curricula. Our paper aims to find out more about the connections between science teachers' orientation toward the textbook and the enabling of inquiry-based teaching. It will be important to map this connection better in improving how to facilitate inquiry-based education. The textbook has a strong position in the Norwegian school system, and teaching based on the textbook is often seen as oppositional to inquiry-based teaching. On a national level, more research about the use of textbooks and its implications for science teaching is needed. A survey has been conducted among science teachers at 68 lower secondary schools in three (recently merged into two) counties in Norway. The survey data is used to measure the textbook’s importance for science teachers, and the extent to which the textbook contributes to inquiry in science teaching. Results show that the textbook has a central role for science teachers. The textbook is partly perceived as supportive for facilitating inquiry activities, especially for textbook-oriented teachers. At the same time, the study shows that those teachers who frequently facilitate inquiry are not closely tied to the textbook.","PeriodicalId":37114,"journal":{"name":"Nordic Studies in Science Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45339042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In the teaching of scientific subjects, several semiotic resources such as images, texts, physical models, audio recordings and film have been used for a long time. In recent years, digital learning resources have also been added, such as simulations and virtual and augmented realities. In this paper, an investigation of how pupils understand the science of hearing and the anatomy of the ear with the support of various semiotic resources is performed by a teacher/researcher. How do pupils reflect on their understanding of hearing when they use different semiotic resources in teaching? In this investigation five different semiotic resources are compared. The analysis of questionnaires, interviews and lesson observations shows how the pupils move between the different modalities. The findings indicate that pupils can benefit from using carefully chosen different semiotic resources. It could also matter in which order the semiotic resources are used. The study shows that embodied cognition plays a prominent role, such as touching a physical model of an ear. Furthermore, understanding the anatomy of the ear is described as better using a physical model, while understanding the process of hearing is described as better using a simulation. These findings can be useful for teachers, student teachers, teacher educators and teaching aid developers.
{"title":"Multimodality in the teaching of biology:","authors":"Ingela Bursjöö","doi":"10.5617/nordina.8740","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5617/nordina.8740","url":null,"abstract":"In the teaching of scientific subjects, several semiotic resources such as images, texts, physical models, audio recordings and film have been used for a long time. In recent years, digital learning resources have also been added, such as simulations and virtual and augmented realities. In this paper, an investigation of how pupils understand the science of hearing and the anatomy of the ear with the support of various semiotic resources is performed by a teacher/researcher. How do pupils reflect on their understanding of hearing when they use different semiotic resources in teaching? In this investigation five different semiotic resources are compared. The analysis of questionnaires, interviews and lesson observations shows how the pupils move between the different modalities. The findings indicate that pupils can benefit from using carefully chosen different semiotic resources. It could also matter in which order the semiotic resources are used. The study shows that embodied cognition plays a prominent role, such as touching a physical model of an ear. Furthermore, understanding the anatomy of the ear is described as better using a physical model, while understanding the process of hearing is described as better using a simulation. These findings can be useful for teachers, student teachers, teacher educators and teaching aid developers.","PeriodicalId":37114,"journal":{"name":"Nordic Studies in Science Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43863569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
E. Nyberg, Miranda Rocksén, Nada Baker, Cecilia Silverhagen Camacho
The significance of aesthetic experiences, including things perceived as beautiful or pleasant, but also ugly or unpleasant, has been studied in relation to children’s interest and learning in science. The purpose of the present study is to contribute to the development of knowledge about how aesthetics and exploratory approaches are used in preschool teaching in science. Based on this, we wanted to examine the possibility that a focus on aesthetic experiences and experiences based on living organisms or natural objects could be considered and used as a subject didactic model in activities with scientific content. The article is based on an analysis of interactive logbooks from a collaborative project between preschool and university. Our results show that aesthetic experiences and expressions appear as constantly present and in constant change and development in the preschool’s activities, and that this is driven by the children’s and educators’ curiosity and creativity in close interaction. Our conclusion is that a subject didactic model with a focus on aesthetic experiences might contribute to this didactic approach being formulated, concretized and developed in preschool teaching.
{"title":"Känslor och estetik i förskolans naturvetenskap","authors":"E. Nyberg, Miranda Rocksén, Nada Baker, Cecilia Silverhagen Camacho","doi":"10.5617/nordina.8744","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5617/nordina.8744","url":null,"abstract":"The significance of aesthetic experiences, including things perceived as beautiful or pleasant, but also ugly or unpleasant, has been studied in relation to children’s interest and learning in science. The purpose of the present study is to contribute to the development of knowledge about how aesthetics and exploratory approaches are used in preschool teaching in science. Based on this, we wanted to examine the possibility that a focus on aesthetic experiences and experiences based on living organisms or natural objects could be considered and used as a subject didactic model in activities with scientific content. The article is based on an analysis of interactive logbooks from a collaborative project between preschool and university. Our results show that aesthetic experiences and expressions appear as constantly present and in constant change and development in the preschool’s activities, and that this is driven by the children’s and educators’ curiosity and creativity in close interaction. Our conclusion is that a subject didactic model with a focus on aesthetic experiences might contribute to this didactic approach being formulated, concretized and developed in preschool teaching.","PeriodicalId":37114,"journal":{"name":"Nordic Studies in Science Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44388976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper explores the experiences of first-year biotechnology students during the first eight months of their studies. We study what the students expected to be challenging when entering the programme, and what they eventually experienced as challenging as they progressed further into the programme. Building on qualitative data (video-diaries, interviews and open-ended survey responses), we analyse the dimensions of challenges, the congruence and the students’ sense of belonging. We find that students were mainly challenged by the organisational dimension (lack of clarity in goals and course organisation). The social relations to peers were pivotal for the students as learning support when managing the challenges and decoding expectations, but also for keeping up the motivation. We argue that in order to support the students’ sense of belonging and their academic achievements, the study programmes should facilitate the formation of social networks and consider the course organisation and management.
{"title":"Expectations and Challenges of First-Year Biotechnology Students","authors":"Lars Ulriksen, A. Gregersen","doi":"10.5617/nordina.8679","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5617/nordina.8679","url":null,"abstract":"This paper explores the experiences of first-year biotechnology students during the first eight months of their studies. We study what the students expected to be challenging when entering the programme, and what they eventually experienced as challenging as they progressed further into the programme. Building on qualitative data (video-diaries, interviews and open-ended survey responses), we analyse the dimensions of challenges, the congruence and the students’ sense of belonging. We find that students were mainly challenged by the organisational dimension (lack of clarity in goals and course organisation). The social relations to peers were pivotal for the students as learning support when managing the challenges and decoding expectations, but also for keeping up the motivation. We argue that in order to support the students’ sense of belonging and their academic achievements, the study programmes should facilitate the formation of social networks and consider the course organisation and management.","PeriodicalId":37114,"journal":{"name":"Nordic Studies in Science Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43117004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study explores the experiences of Swedish upper secondary school chemistry students working with a socioscientific issue about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in everyday products, and how they perceive that this teaching has influenced them in their role as citizens in a democratic society. Data collection has been carried out on several occasions over a period of one and a half year after the teaching event, and data includes answers from questionnaires and focus-group interviews. The results show that the students are able to view the issue from different perspectives and to understand the inherent complexity. The results also suggest that the students developed their critical thinking skills and awareness as consumers. Furthermore, students report to have developed an interest in environmental issues and a feeling that they have opportunities to make a difference. These aspects constitute important conditions for active citizenship and informed decision-making.
{"title":"Elevers upplevelser av ett SNI-fall och dess betydelse för elevers roll som demokratiska samhällsmedborgare","authors":"Louise Rietz, A. Jönsson, Mats Lundström","doi":"10.5617/nordina.8762","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5617/nordina.8762","url":null,"abstract":"This study explores the experiences of Swedish upper secondary school chemistry students working with a socioscientific issue about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in everyday products, and how they perceive that this teaching has influenced them in their role as citizens in a democratic society. Data collection has been carried out on several occasions over a period of one and a half year after the teaching event, and data includes answers from questionnaires and focus-group interviews. The results show that the students are able to view the issue from different perspectives and to understand the inherent complexity. The results also suggest that the students developed their critical thinking skills and awareness as consumers. Furthermore, students report to have developed an interest in environmental issues and a feeling that they have opportunities to make a difference. These aspects constitute important conditions for active citizenship and informed decision-making.","PeriodicalId":37114,"journal":{"name":"Nordic Studies in Science Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45814996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study examines the conversations of 41 student teachers during visits to a designed rainforest in a greenhouse in a botanical garden in Sweden. The aim of this study is to explore the multimodal affordances of the rainforest for student teachers’ negotiations, and through this obtain an understanding of the potential this environment has for teaching and learning about plants, biodiversity, ecology and life on Earth. Data for this exploratory case study was collected through observations as well as audio recordings of interactions between student teachers. Data was analysed using multiple tools, including thematic analyses and social semiotics. The results show that the walk-through in the rainforest and the encounters with plants awaken curiosity, raise questions and bring about hypotheses. This has implications for and informs teaching about plants and the importance of plants for life on Earth.
{"title":"Rainforest conversations","authors":"A. Hipkiss, Eva Nyberg","doi":"10.5617/nordina.8716","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5617/nordina.8716","url":null,"abstract":"This study examines the conversations of 41 student teachers during visits to a designed rainforest in a greenhouse in a botanical garden in Sweden. The aim of this study is to explore the multimodal affordances of the rainforest for student teachers’ negotiations, and through this obtain an understanding of the potential this environment has for teaching and learning about plants, biodiversity, ecology and life on Earth. Data for this exploratory case study was collected through observations as well as audio recordings of interactions between student teachers. Data was analysed using multiple tools, including thematic analyses and social semiotics. The results show that the walk-through in the rainforest and the encounters with plants awaken curiosity, raise questions and bring about hypotheses. This has implications for and informs teaching about plants and the importance of plants for life on Earth.","PeriodicalId":37114,"journal":{"name":"Nordic Studies in Science Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42563079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Denmark has a strong foundation in terms of sustainability, making the country an interesting backdrop for studying how the overarching sustainability agenda has shaped education practice. This study investigated the scope and status of sustainability education targeted at grade 4-6 students in Danish out-ofschool science education institutions, such as natural history museums, science and technology museums, science centres, zoos and aquaria. First, a desktop review took place to map educational programmes with sustainability content. Second, five representative programmes were selected for further study. Thematic analysis of observation field notes and interviews with educators and teachers yielded four themes that collectively defined the sustainability programmes: institution, formal education, content and pedagogy. The final sections of the paper contextualise these themes, and discuss their implications for sustainability education in out-of-school practice. The study concludes by offering reflections on constructive future pathways for sustainability education.
{"title":"The Scope and Status of Sustainability Education in Out-of-School Settings across Denmark","authors":"Henry James Evans","doi":"10.5617/nordina.8945","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5617/nordina.8945","url":null,"abstract":"Denmark has a strong foundation in terms of sustainability, making the country an interesting backdrop for studying how the overarching sustainability agenda has shaped education practice. This study investigated the scope and status of sustainability education targeted at grade 4-6 students in Danish out-ofschool science education institutions, such as natural history museums, science and technology museums, science centres, zoos and aquaria. First, a desktop review took place to map educational programmes with sustainability content. Second, five representative programmes were selected for further study. Thematic analysis of observation field notes and interviews with educators and teachers yielded four themes that collectively defined the sustainability programmes: institution, formal education, content and pedagogy. The final sections of the paper contextualise these themes, and discuss their implications for sustainability education in out-of-school practice. The study concludes by offering reflections on constructive future pathways for sustainability education.","PeriodicalId":37114,"journal":{"name":"Nordic Studies in Science Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49227115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}