A seven-year professional development journey from learning Nature of Science (NOS) to teaching NOS

In the first section of the proposal, we provide some background of the science curricular reform in Hong Kong, in which the role of nature of science (NOS) has become more prominent. In relation to this, we summarise in the second section, our effort in the past decade in preparing science teachers to develop their students’ understanding of NOS. We then describe in the third section the design and implementation of a series of physics lessons by the second author, Lay, on the topic light wave which demonstrated a high level of NOS understanding and pedagogical competency of him. In the lessons, he made use of the historical development of the controversies about the nature of light to integrate teaching of related NOS ideas with the teaching of the key physics concepts in interference and diffraction of light, and application of electromagnetic wave. The NOS ideas embedded in historical episodes were covered in an interconnected manner: (1) contrasting subjectivity of science (theory-laden observation/inference/explanation, co-existence of more than one scientific models in explaining observations or natural phenomena, submission to authority in the scientific community) to objectivity of science (evidence based and empirical nature of science, scientists' conversion from the belief of particle model to wave model of light); (2) brief introduction of peer review process and its relationship to the establishment of scientific knowledge; (3) how an established scientific model may be replaced by another one. By referring to the detailed records of the professional training experienced by Lay and his own reflection of his experience at a number of incidents during his seven-year long journey of learning how to teach NOS, we come to identify several critical events and processes which prompted considerable advancement in his pedagogical content knowledge in teaching NOS, expansion of his teaching repertoire and uplifting his philosophy of science education. Specific linkages of his advancement in learning to teach NOS are connected to certain important and critical training components that he experienced since he first learned the term NOS in his teacher training education seven years ago. Though identifying important features which result in considerable growth of Lay in teaching NOS, we wish our experience can serve as good references for science educators in planning training programmes in enhancing teachers' confidence and competency in teaching NOS.postprintThe 11th International IHPST and 6th Greek History, Philosophy and Science Teaching Joint Conference, Thessaloniki, Greece, 1-5 July 2011

The inversion of anelastic coefficient, source parameters and site respond using genetic algorithm

2002-2003 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Equivalent stress block for normal-strength concrete incorporating strain gradient effect

To account for the different behaviours of concrete under uniaxial compression and bending in the flexural strength design of reinforced concrete (RC) members, the stress-strain curve of concrete is normally scaled down so that the adopted maximum concrete stress in flexural members is less than the uniaxial strength. However, it was found from previous experimental research that the use of a smaller maximum concrete stress would underestimate the flexural strength of RC beams and columns. To investigate the effect of strain gradient on the maximum concrete stress developed in flexure, a total of 12 plain concrete and RC inverted T-shaped specimens were fabricated and tested under concentric and eccentric loads separately. The maximum concrete stress developed in the eccentric specimens was determined by modifying the concrete stress-strain curve obtained from the counterpart concentric specimens based on axial force and moment equilibriums. The test results revealed that the maximum concrete stress increases with strain gradient up to a certain maximum value. A formula was developed to correlate the maximum concrete stress to strain gradient. A pair of equivalent rectangular concrete stress block parameters that incorporate the effects of strain gradient was proposed for flexural strength design of RC members. © 2012 Thomas Telford Ltd.published_or_final_versio

DNA Methylation of Tumor Suppressive miRNAs in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas

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The behavior of two-way reinfoced concrete slabs externally strengthened with steel plate to subject patch load

2001-2002 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Childhood Asthma, Rhinitis, and Eczema in Hong Kong: Proposal for a Cross-Sectional Survey

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Assessment of cell proliferation in hydatidiform mole using monoclonal antibody MIB1 to Ki-67 antigen

Aims - To assess the role of Ki67 immunoreactivity in predicting the clinical progress of hydatidiform mole. Methods - Tissue from 87 hydatidiform moles, 11 normal first trimester placentas, 11 normal term placentas and 17 spontaneous abortions were examined for expression of Ki67 antigen, using the monoclonal antibody MIB1. Results - Ki67 immunoreactivity was significantly higher in the tissue from normal first trimester placentas than in that from normal term placentas and spontaneous abortions. Among the 87 patients with hydatidiform moles studied, 20 developed persistent gestational trophoblastic disease and required subsequent treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in the Ki67 index between the 20 patients who developed persistent disease and those who did not. Conclusion-Hydatidiform moles which give rise to persistent trophoblastic disease do not have a higher proliferative rate than those which do not. The Ki67 index is not useful for predicting the prognosis of molar pregnancies.published_or_final_versio

乳腺癌患者首次手术后抑郁与应对方式社会支持相关性研究

Author name used in this publication: Huang Jia-enTitle in Traditional Chinese: 乳腺癌患者首次手術後抑鬱與應對方式社會支援相關性研究Journal title in Traditional Chinese: 護理學報Version of RecordPublishe