Scientific Research Activity of Students Pre-Service Teachers of Sciences at University: The Aspects of Understanding, Situation and Improvement

Abstract

The development of student abilities of scientific research activity (SRA) in the process of studies appears as a highly important area. In the course of studies, students not only increase their general competencies, acquire professional abilities and skills but also learn to conduct research. This does not mean that all students will build their careers in the field of scientific research in the future. The present life, labour market, the complexity of technology, etc. require at least minimum competencies in carrying out investigation. SRA should be universally stimulated and developed. Scientific research activity is not an entertainment but responsible, thorough work requiring a lot of self-independence. Such activity promotes student analytical thinking, the abilities of searching and using information are formed, they learn how to analyse the collected material, prepare reports, make research presentations, etc. The conducted qualitative research involved graduated students -pre-service teachers of sciences studying at Lithuanian universities. The research was conducted in January-February 2016 and based on the constructivist paradigm, suggesting that knowledge was not the final or uniform product. Teaching is an effective tool when students gain information thus stimulating active cognitive processes. The performed research has demonstrated that SRA questions remain crucial, the organization of such activity has specific weaknesses and improvement is not always carried out deliberately and purposefully, because the context, environment, conditions and requirements for education in general may differ. Improvement on SRA is not possible without empirical data based on the status. The research has revealed student understanding of SRA, its key strengths and weaknesses as well as allowed assessing the significance of such activity on the professional training of the pre-service teacher and on improving guidelines.

Investigation of pedagogical content knowledge of a science teacher based on the metacognitive awareness of her students

“…It also requires responsibility and individual freedom (Lamanauskas & Augienė, 2017). This process is related to the development of metacognitive knowledge since the individual's awareness of what, why, and how to learn something depends on well-selected activities.…”

“…This process is related to the development of metacognitive knowledge since the individual's awareness of what, why, and how to learn something depends on well-selected activities. As stated by Lamanauskas and Augienė (2017), scientific research activities point at action-based activities involving the transformation of science topics and facilitating the development of students' metacognitive awareness and knowledge. Anderson (2002) expresses that learning of a topic in the process of metacognition is only possible through the activities performed students.…”

“…Bilimsel araştırma aktiviteleri şeklinde ifade edilen etkinlikler öğrencilerin analitik düşünme becerilerini geliştirir, bilgiyi araştırma ve kullanma becerilerini artırır, elde ettiği materyalleri ve verileri nasıl analiz etmesi gerektiğini öğreneceği bir süreç olmakla birlikte sorumluk ve bireysel özgürlük gerektiren bir durumdur (Lamanauskas & Augienė, 2017). Burada bahsedilen süreç bireyin üst biliş bilgisinin gelişmesine yöneliktir.…”

Psychological Barriers to Participating in Scientific Research Activities of Undergraduate Students in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

“…Lamanauskas et al (2016) focuses on analyzing students' perceptions of the significance of scientific research activities for careers. Lamanauskas et al (2015Lamanauskas et al ( , 2017 survey students' interest in scientific research activities, conditions that promote students' active participation in scientific research in schools. Winn (1995), Russia (2010) said that students often face many difficulties in scientific research.…”

Scientific Research Activity of Students Pre-Service Teachers of Sciences at University: Significance, Readiness, Effectiveness and Career Aspects

“…This examination is based on the previously conducted expert research (Lamanauskas, Augienė, 2014;Lamanauskas, Augienė, 2015). The research results related with the aspects of understanding, situation and improvement, have already been published (Lamanauskas, Augienė, 2017).…”