In this study, epistemological views of middle school students on scientific inquiry were investigated. The Views of Scientific Inquiry Questionnaire was administered to 141 9th graders. The questionnaire consists of five open-ended items concerning the contexts of scientific investigation, the methods of scientific investigation, the interpretation of data, and the data and evidence. Analyses of the results indicated that their epistemological understanding of scientific inquiry were not adequate on the whole. Although the students suggested a variety of factors influencing scientists' decisions on the questions and the methods of investigation, many of the factors were minor. Only a few students specifically described the activities of scientists and the constituents of "scientific" activity, and students did not demonstrate adequate understanding of experimentation in science and multiple scientific methods. Moreover, the percentage of students who possessed the informed view that data can be variously interpreted was found to be low. The students also did not understand the distinctions between data and evidence. Educational implications are discussed.
In this case study, we analyzed the processes of STEAM lessons conducted by preservice secondary science teachers. Three preservice science teachers at a college of education in Seoul participated in this study. After the workshop for STEAM education, they planned and practiced STEAM lessons. All of the teaching-learning materials were collected before lessons, and their lessons were observed and videotaped. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted before and after their lessons. The processes of STEAM lessons were analyzed while focusing on PCK and PDC. Their difficulties, needs, and views on STEAM education were also studied. It was found that they have taken much efforts to reflect the objectives and characteristics of STEAM education, and prepared teaching-learning materials by searching on the internet and arranging creative contents. Their great difficulty was to determine topics for STEAM lessons. While one preservice teacher satisfied with her lesson perceived STEAM education positively, the others perceived that it would be very difficult to practice STEAM lessons in school. For their STEAM lessons to be successful, the workshop needs to include some specific information on grades, proper topics for each grade, ways of making materials, and tips for effective STEAM lessons. In addition, it will be effective if the workshop is carried out after their study on constructivist learning theory and if they experience successful STEAM lessons.
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