Inquiry based learning and meaning generation through modelling on geometrical optics in a constructionist environment
Journal Title: European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 1
Abstract
The central roles that modelling plays in the processes of scientific enquiry and that models play as the outcomes of that enquiry are well established (Gilbert & Boulter, 1998). Besides, there are considerable similarities between the processes and outcomes of science and technology (Cinar, 2016). In this study, we discuss how the use of digital tools for modelling geometrical optics supports meaning generation. More specifically, it tests: a) the role of educational software ?Law of Light Reflection? in the generation of scientific meanings, b) the factors affecting this meaning generation and c) the extent to which integrated physical concepts, strategies, cooperation and verbal interaction affect scientific meaning generation. The research methodology adopted for the purpose of compliance with these three dimensions is design?based research which enabled us to investigate the effectiveness and the dynamic interaction of the tool with the specific cognitive skills. In this study, we used a specially designed of open?software for modelling on geometrical optics phenomena. The use of digital tools for modelling is studied from two perspectives: inquiry based science learning and scientific meaning generation of the interactive dialogic interaction among 6 students who were assigned to two focus groups, in a public elementary school in Athens, Greece. In this context, we focused on 5 dimensions of analysis that concern inquiry and meaning generation, based on dialogic instances during the described episodes.
Authors and Affiliations
Constantina Kotsari *| School of Philosophy, Pedagogy & Psychology, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece, For correspondence: conkotsari@gmail.com, Zacharoula Smyrnaiou| School of Philosophy, Pedagogy & Psychology, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP8126
- DOI -
- Views 438
- Downloads 22
Experience of teaching mathematics at the technical trainers college (TTC) in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has embarked on a major education initiative, and is currently setting up several Colleges of Excellence (CoE) to provide world class vocational training in the country. These colleges w...
Survey of mathematics teachers’ static and transformational performance and perspectives for teaching similarity
Surveys were used to examine mathematics teachers (15) on their ability to solve similarity problems and on their likely implementation of lesson objectives for teaching similarity. All correctly solved a similarity prob...
Pre-service teachers’ mathematical models' features
This study came to characterize the features of mathematical models built by mathematics pre?service teachers for a model eliciting activity. Fourteen groups participated in building the models. We used a combination of...
A field study examining success factors of university-schoolcollaboration
With decreasing numbers of students pursuing a career in science (OECD, 2008), the call for educational reforms building a basis for an interest in science is great. Cooperation between schools and universities are an im...
Proof construction and evaluation practices of prospective mathematics educators
This study was conducted with 93 freshmen and 82 senior prospective mathematicians and mathematics teachers in order to investigate how they construct and evaluate proofs and whether there are any significant differences...