Developing a Coding Scheme for Exploring Preservice Science Teachers’ Metacognition in a Method Course

Promoting metacognition in preservice science teachers (PSTs) is necessary for effective science teaching. However, metacognition is an abstract attribute that requires in-depth investigations with qualitative methods. This study aimed to express the process utilized to develop a coding scheme of PSTs’ metacognition (CSPM). Methods: This study started with a review of the metacognition conceptual framework. Next, the researchers collected data about PSTs’ metacognition from a metacognitive self-report (MS) and a metacognition interview protocol (MIP). The participants were 22 third-year PSTs who studied at one public university. All data were analyzed for codes by using content analysis. Results: The CSPM consisted of 177 codes that can be divided into two main components and six subcomponents. The validity of the CSPM was checked by a panel of experts through the item–objective congruence index (IOC) into two different levels: an IOC between codes and components of metacognition, and an IOC between codes and levels of metacognition. The IOCs of the CSPM in the two levels were acceptable. In conclusion, the CPSM was a qualified coding scheme for qualitatively analyzing metacognition in PSTs as well as other types of participants. This study also pointed out an urgent need to develop metacognition in PSTs

Blended Engineering Design Process Learning Activities for Secondary School Students during COVID-19 Epidemic: Students’ Learning Activities and Perception

This study aims to present the teaching and learning activities of Engineering Design Processes (EDP) to secondary school students. The proposed teaching technique used was blended learning, which integrated group activities based on online learning and individual hands-on activities through independent study at home. The context of COVID-19 medical mask protection was used in comparison to the current situation. In order to test the effectiveness of the proposed learning activities, a single-group pretest–posttest design was employed to explore (a) the students’ perceptions of their problem-solving confidence before and after they underwent the proposed learning technique and (b) students’ perceptions of the designed course. After they had finished the 4 weeks of learning activities, the students were asked to complete the Students’ Perception on Problem-Solving Skill Questionnaire (SPPSS) and the Students’ Perception towards the Proposed Blended Engineering Design Process learning activities Questionnaire (SPBEDP) in order to gauge how confident they felt in their ability to solve problems and how they felt about the proposed course. There were 30 seventh-grade students enrolled in this course. An increase in the level of problem-solving confidence was found in the students after they were subjected to the proposed activities. Moreover, the students mentioned that, based on the proposed activities, “Identify Problem and Need”, “Design a Solution”, and “Developing Prototype” are the Engineering Design Process learning steps they enjoyed most since they were the steps in which they could use their creativity, and they were hands-on, fun, easy, challenging, and provided them with an opportunity to choose issues in which they are interested