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 430
- Downloads 22
A scoping study investigating student perceptions towards inquiry based learning in the laboratory
There has been an increasing movement towards the introduction of inquiry based learning in undergraduate physiology laboratories. Students can however find this challenging when there is a sudden transition from traditi...
The importance of the definition of weight
Presented by the Newton definition of weight that identifies the weight with the force of gravity exerted on the body, at the ninth grade, results in miss- conceptions: gravity stops at the end of the atmosphere and need...
Light pollution in natural science textbooks in Spanish secondary education
Light pollution has emerged with the industrial development in recent decades. It is becoming a significant environmental issue for cities today and it will probably become more important in the near future. However, ver...
Remodeling science education
Radical reform in science and mathematics education is needed to prepare citizens for challenges of the emerging knowledge?based global economy. We consider definite proposals to establish: (1) Standards of science and m...
The influence of parental background on students’ academic performance in physics in WASSCE 2000 – 2005
The study investigated parental background on student’s academic performance in secondary schools in Abak local government, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A survey design was adopted for the study. One thousand four hundred a...