Enthusiasm, relevance and creativity: could these teaching qualities stop us alienating pupils from science?

The poor attitude of pupils towards science continues to be a topic of concern within secondary schools. This article considers research and highlights what we can learn as teachers to persevere in tackling the problem. Alongside this review, a case study was undertaken with a sample of year 7 pupils (ages 11–12) in English schools who reported that they enjoy the practical element of science but can be distracted by the complicated facts and explanations. Pupils’ suggestions to improve their engagement in science lessons were to include more experiments as well as fun tasks and a variety of activities. We consider whether an approach including more of these factors in science delivery could reduce alienation of pupils from the science curriculum and hence attract more pupils to continue their education in science-related courses

Adaptive education based on learning styles: are learning style instruments precise enough?

Investigating the efficiency of learning style instruments is significant because it is a widespread technique and it enriches the understanding of the challenges of integrating such instruments into adaptive education systems. The results showed that current learning style instruments depend only on the textual form of infor-mation to present items; this might be leading to a bias in the measurement of learning styles as the textual forms of information are more suitable for verbal students than for others. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the precision of learning style instruments and the challenges of integrating them into adaptive education systems. This research followed a quantitative research approach. First, a new learning style instrument was developed using different forms of infor-mation (Figures, Charts, and Equations). Then, the preferred learning style of fif-ty students was measured twice, initially, by using the newly developed instru-ment and subsequently by using a VARK instrument, the results of both were compared

E-learning in Science and Design and Technology : Proceedings of IDATER on-line conference 2005 - 2006

E-learning in Science and Design and Technology : Proceedings of IDATER on-line conference 2005 - 200

Why don't zombies like hibiscus tea? A multi-subject approach to photosynthesis through the use of Gratzel cells

Traditionally, photosynthesis has been seen as the domain of biology, with some input from chemistry when dealing with chromatography, while, apart from a passing reference to the colour of leaves, physics has tended to steer clear of the process that provides the lifeblood of human existence. This article outlines how a recent technological advance can be used as a teaching resource in all three branches of science

Science learning, science teaching

xii, 307 hlm.: 25 c

Science learning, science teaching

Esta publicación ofrece a los maestros una guía completa y crítica en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la ciencia. Combina una visión general de la investigación actual con los cambios del plan de estudios para proporcionar una guía práctica de la enseñanza en el aula. Da consejos útiles e ideas para explorar más sobre los problemas actuales en la enseñanza de la ciencia. Incluye planificación de la enseñanza, establece objetivos de evaluación, el uso de las TIC. Cada capítulo ofrece referencias, bibliografía y sitios Web.SCBiblioteca de Educación del Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte; Calle San Agustín, 5 - 3 planta; 28014 Madrid; Tel. +34917748000; [email protected]

Fifteen pupils' positive approach to primary school science: when does it decline?

The decline in secondary school pupils' attitudes towards science is well documented. However, recent research has shown that pupils' attitudes to science appear to become fixed during their primary school years. This study investigated end of Key Stage 1 (Yr 2 (ages six to seven years)) and end of Key Stage 2 (Yr 6 (ages 10-11 years)) pupils' attitudes to science, using Klopfer's themes (1971), through a paired activity and interview for Yr 2 pupils and a pre- and post-Test of Science-Related Attitudes questionnaire (adapted) for Yr 6 pupils. The questionnaire was analysed using the mean and chi square values and Cronbach's alpha was calculated to test reliability. The results revealed that while Yr 2 pupils exhibit a thirst for knowledge and enthusiasm for science, Yr 6 pupils' attitudes over the period of one academic year did not change: their attitude towards science was fixed. This insight raises some implications and responsibilities for primary school teachers