Teaching of chemistry at secondary school level is not always carried out in the most effective way and this is often because teachers do not realise the difficulties experienced by pupils while studying a conceptually challenging topic. The development of a teaching strategy to assist teachers is thus of value. The research questions:  Do focussed intervention questions followed by rapid feedback to pupils foster sound concept formation in chemical bonding?  Is this new teaching method more effective than traditional methods? In this study I have examined the effect of a novel teaching method (referred to as the Targeted Intervention Questioning process) on concept formation during the study of chemical bonding. This study involves action research in secondary school classrooms. The findings from the study are being used to further inform current teaching practice. The teaching method is a set of focused intervention questions administered at relevant stages during the teaching of the topic. Pupils answer these questions with the help of their learning material and are given rapid feedback with an evaluation of their answers. This questioning process is designed to focus pupils’ attention on the relevant concepts and the feedback is to inform pupils of their progress in mastering the topic. The effectiveness of the method was measured using a concept development test. The learning gain in a test group was compared to that of a control group in a quasi-experimental study. This research involves action research as findings will inform practice and practice will change in line with the research findings. Data gathering to ascertain the effectiveness of the teaching method will be through quantitative methods in a quasi-experimental setup. The sample size was approximately 80 learners, divided into the four classes. All teachers use the methods and techniques that they normally use. The learning gain was determined through the use of a concept development test developed by the author (referred to as the Conceptual Test tool). This test tool contained a set of 25 conceptual questions, either requiring selection of a correct answer from a multiple choice selection or requiring a free response answer. The testing tool was piloted using a group of Grade 11 pupils in 2010. The test was then refined and used to measure the effectiveness of the intervention questioning process in 2011. A second run of the intervention process was carried out in 2012 using a slightly modified testing tool. The result of the test group was compared to that of the control group. A Correlation analysis and a Rasch analysis determined the validity of the testing tool. Results from both runs of the intervention process show that the test group has a statistically significant greater learning gain (LG) over the control group. Analysis of answers given by pupils to the intervention questions provided insight into the learning process that was happening. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Science, Mathematics and Technology Education / unrestricted

The current study investigated concept formation in domestic dogs, specifically that of a toy concept. The dog's differential responding (retrieval vs. non-retrieval) to two sets of stimuli suggested a toy concept. Differential responding occurred from the very first trial, indicating that the concept had been formed in the natural environment, not during the experiment. It was hypothesized that a common response may be responsible for the emergence of the class in the natural environment. The results demonstrated that it was possible to expand the class by adding previously non-retrieved objects to the toy class through a common response. It was also shown that the toy concept passed the more stringent criterion (transfer of function test) required validating it as a concept.

Orientador: Maria da Luz Rosário de Sousa / Dissertação (mestrado profissional) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-22T04:17:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tognetti_ValdineiaMaria_M.pdf: 848410 bytes, checksum: 7181c5bf6e3d0e6616e807dbcab9ee5e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: A cárie dentária é uma doença multifatorial que engloba fatores necessários, determinantes e moduladores. O conhecimento dos fatores da doença cárie possibilita melhor entendimento e reconhecimento dos seus sinais e sintomas, e, assim, pode-se estabelecer o grau de atividade das lesões e escolha de planos de tratamento adequados a cada indivíduo, visando à promoção e manutenção do bem estar da saúde bucal dos indivíduos. Para que este problema de saúde pública seja controlado, a população precisa de profissionais de saúde generalistas. Porém, a prática biologista e a visão fragmentada dos profissionais formados, acarretam limitações nesta ação integral. Desta forma, o objetivo geral deste trabalho foi verificar a abordagem clínica dos estudantes formandos, em duas instituições de ensino (uma pública e outra particular), em relação à doença cárie. Utilizou-se de um caso clínico, contendo os dados do paciente, fotos dos dentes e das radiografias - projetadas em sala de aula, para que os estudantes apontassem o plano de tratamento, com questões fechadas (dente a dente) e uma questão discursiva. O caso demonstrava lesões de cárie inativas nos dentes decíduos e lesões de manchas brancas ativas nos dentes permanentes. As respostas dos estudantes foram dicotomizadas para análises estatísticas utilizando-se o teste Qui-quadrado (p?0,05). As respostas discursivas foram analisadas pela técnica de análise do conteúdo mediante leitura flutuante e categorização das mesmas e, posteriormente, dicotomização para análise. A taxa de resposta foi de 85,71% na faculdade pública e 92,30% na faculdade particular, sendo o universo n=72. Após a consulta das tomadas radiográficas e considerando a dinâmica de atendimento clínico diferente das faculdades, menos de 10% dos estudantes da faculdade pública realizariam procedimentos conservadores nos dentes decíduos, enquanto pelo menos 30% dos estudantes da faculdade particular optariam por procedimentos conservadores em todos os casos (p<0,001). Quanto aos dentes permanentes, a totalidade dos estudantes da faculdade pública faria tratamento conservador. Tanto na faculdade pública quanto na particular houve semelhança de abordagens curativa e conservadora+preventivista. Estudantes de ambas as faculdades apontaram a possibilidade de realizarem uma prática mais preventivista de atenção em saúde / Abstract: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that involves necessary, determinant, and modulating factors. Knowledge of such factors enables better understanding and recognition of caries disease signs and symptoms. Consequently, one may properly define the lesions degree of activity, as well as elaborate individual treatment plans, in order to achieve promotion and maintenance of welfare of the oral health. In order to overcome this public health issue, generalist professionals might be required. However, either biologist practice, or fragmented view of the professionals avoid such comprehensive action to be accomplished. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the clinical approach knowledge of graduate students from two colleges (public and private) concerning dental caries. A case report containing patient general data, photos, and radiographs were presented in a classroom for the students to point out their treatment option for each tooth. Posteriorly; a discursive question was, as well presented. The case report showed inactive caries lesions on primary teeth and active white spot caries lesions on permanent teeth. The students' responses were dichotomized for statistical analysis using chi-square test with significance 95%. Discursive responses were analyzed according to content analysis technique by floating reading categorization; and subsequent dichotomization. Response rates were 85.71% in the public college and 92.30% in private college, which totalized 72 respondents. After x-rays evaluation and considering the diverse dynamics by which both schools perform their patient care management, it was observed that less than 10% of the public college students would perform conservative procedures in primary teeth, while at least 30% of private college students would decide for conservative procedures for all cases (p <0.001). Concerning the permanent dentition, all of the public college students would perform "curative" approach. "Preventative-conservative practice" was similarly observed amongst public and private college students. Students from both schools preferred the possibility of carrying out health care preventative practice / Mestrado / Odontologia em Saude Coletiva / Mestra em Odontologia em Saúde Coletiva

This research exercise aimed to replicate use of the instrument (“Vygotsky’s Blocks”) of Vygotsky and Sakharov (1928-1934) in combination with the 22 wooden blocks and the later adaptations and scoring framework of Hanfmann and Kasanin (1937; 1942). This procedure – the functional method of double stimulation – examined new concept formation from early childhood to adulthood (N=60 subjects, aged three- to 76-years-old) to establish whether contemporary adults and children produced the same or similar patterns as those described by Vygotsky (1986). The study found a developmental trend consistent with Vygotsky’s (1986) writings on the ontogenesis of concept formation. The path from the syncretic, to the concrete and factual, to the intermediate phase before true conceptual thought becomes possible was reflected in a positive correlation between the age of the subjects and their modes of thinking. This verified Vygotsky’s assertion that true conceptual thinking only becomes possible in adolescence. This study aimed to encourage further research with this procedure to confirm the trends found by this study and to validate the adapted scoring method of Hanfmann and Kasanin (1942) for the purposes of cross-sectional use.

No description available.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-27T13:52:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 LUZANIR LUIZA DE MOURA PEIXOTO.pdf: 2557039 bytes, checksum: bf64c150e9a549f58da8273cf2790866 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-09-15 / The current study had as a investigative focus the learning of the concept of aesthetics on the perspective of historical-cultural theory, especially based on the contributions of V. Davydov s developmental teaching theory. This research privileged a form of a teaching organization of an art content, in addition to conventional teaching procedures, would contribute to the formation of theoretical thinking, combining ownership of content required for formation of the aesthetics concept with the development of related intellectual capacities. With this intention, the investigative proposal was directed to research the following questions: How does the teaching of visual arts can be organized so that student learning results in the formation of concepts? Working on the concept of aesthetic theory and cultural history? What are the advantages and difficulties in implementing this type of teaching organization? The research objectives were: to investigate and analyze the application of the methodology proposed by Davydov for learning the aesthetics concept; organize the teaching of visual arts to a class of 3rd year of high school in order teach the aesthetics concept, identifying the advantages and difficulties of implementing Davydov s proposal considering the context of a public High School. The survey consisted on the implementation and monitoring of an didactic training experiment. Data were collected through an observation of teachers and students activities during the execution of the teaching experiment, with reference on the teaching plan developed from the perspective of cultural historical theory. Besides the observation of classes, we used semi-structured interview with the teacher of the class, document analysis and focus groups with students. The research subjects were the art teacher and students from the 3rd class in high school. In the development of the experiment were systematically evaluated the effects of teaching procedures carried out in the promotion and expansion of the students mental processes, especially the ownership / internalization of concepts, the mental domain actions that correspond to it, the development of logical thought procedures and the ability to apply more general concepts to particular situations. The results point to the real possibility of using the methodology of teaching art that, based on content, values the students intellectual capacities formation. The main contribution of this research was to show what is possible in developmental teaching, that students learn more effectively in the arts content, particularly as regards the formation concepts, but the teacher must attend to the contradictions that surround her achievement. It is believed that their results are also useful to all who care about the issue of teaching art. / O presente estudo teve como foco investigativo a aprendizagem do conceito de estética na perspectiva da teoria histórico-cultural, especialmente com base nas contribuições da teoria do ensino desenvolvimental de V. Davydov. A pesquisa privilegiou uma forma da organização do ensino de um conteúdo de arte que, para além dos procedimentos didáticos convencionais, viesse contribuir para a formação do pensamento teórico do conceito de estética pelos alunos. A proposta de investigação foi direcionada para as seguintes indagações: De que modo o ensino de artes visuais pode ser organizado para que a aprendizagem dos alunos resulte em formação de conceitos? Como trabalhar o conceito de estética na Teoria histórico-cultural? Quais as vantagens e dificuldades na concretização desse tipo de organização do ensino? Os objetivos da pesquisa foram: investigar e analisar a aplicação da metodologia proposta por Davydov para a aprendizagem do conceito de estética; organizar o ensino de artes visuais para uma turma do 3º ano do Ensino Médio tendo em vista a aprendizagem do conceito de estética; identificar as vantagens e dificuldades da proposta de Davydov considerando o contexto de uma escola pública de Médio. A pesquisa consistiu na realização e acompanhamento de um experimento didático-formativo. Os dados foram coletados por meio de observação da atividade do professor e dos alunos no decorrer da realização do experimento didático. Além da observação das aulas, foi utilizada a entrevista semi-estruturada com o professor da classe, a análise de documentos e o grupo focal com os alunos. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram o professor de arte e os alunos de uma turma de 3º ano do ensino médio. A análise focou efeitos dos procedimentos de ensino na promoção e ampliação dos processos mentais dos alunos, especialmente, quanto à apropriação/interiorização do conceito de estética. Os resultados mostram a possibilidade do ensino do conteúdo de estética como conceito a ser formado pelos alunos. A principal contribuição da pesquisa foi revelar as contradições que se apresentam no ensino desenvolvimental no contexto concreto da escola. Acredita-se que seus resultados são úteis também a todos que se preocupam com o tema da didática de artes.

Text in Afrikaans, abstract in Afrikaans and English / Die gebruik van simbole maak wiskunde eenvoudiger en kragtiger, maar ook moeiliker verstaanbaar. Laasgenoemde kan voorkom word as slegs eenvoudige en noodsaaklike simbole gebruik word, met die verduidelikings en motiverings in woorde. Die krag van simbole le veral in die feit dat simbole as substitute vir konsepte kan dien. Omdat die krag van simbole hierin le, skuil daar 'n groot gevaar in die gebruik van simbole. Wanneer simbole los is van sinvolle verstandsvoorstellings, is daar geen krag in simbole nie. Dit is die geval met die huidige benadering in skoolalgebra. Voordat voldoende verstandsvoorstellings opgebou is, word daar op die manipulasie van simbole gekonsentreer. Die algebraiese historiese-kenteoretiese perspektief maak algebra meer betekenisvol vir leerders. Hiervolgens moet die leerlinge die geleentheid gegun word om oplossings in prosavorm te skryf en self hul eie wiskundige simbole vir idees spontaan in te voer. Hulle moet self die voordeel van algebraiese simbole beleef. / The use of symbols in algebra both simplifies and strengthens the subject, but it also increases its level of complexity.This problem can be prevented if only simple and essential symbols are used and if the explanations are fully verbalised. The power of symbols stems from their potential to be used as substitutes for concepts. As this constitutes the crux of mathematical symbolic representation, it also presents a danger in that the symbols may not be comprehended. If symbols are not related to mental representations, the symbols are meaningless. This is the case in the present approach to algebra. Before sufficient mental representations are built, there is a concentration on the manipulation of symbols. The algebraic historical epistemological perspective makes algebra more meaningful for learners. Learners should be granted the opportunities to write their solutions in prose and to develop their own symbols for concepts. / Mathematics Education / M. Sc. (Wiskunde-Onderwys)

Orientador: Sueli Terezinha Ferreira Martins / Banca: Wanda Maria Junqueira de Aguiar / Banca: José Roberto Boettger Giardinetto / Resumo: Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar uma das apropriações da teoria vigotskiana no âmbito do Ensino de Ciências na atualidade e avaliar inadequações conceituais e metodológicas decorrentes da vertente do pluralismo metodológico. Neste caso, a produção escolhida para ser analisada foi proposta por Eduardo Fleury Mortimer e colaboradores, na qual utilizam os pressupostos da teoria de L. S. Vigostski como aporte para o desenvolvimento de conceitos e metodologias de análise da realidade escolar. Para proceder tal análise foi realizada uma pesquisa teórica que resgatou os pressupostos epistemológicos e conceituais da teoria vigotskiana, ou seja, o materialismo histórico dialético e o desenvolvimento do pensamento e da linguagem, respectivamente. E, através de uma revisão da obra de Mortimer a partir dos postulados encontrados na teoria vigotskiana foi possível constatar que há apropriações pouco fidedignas às concepções e conceitos originais de Vigotski, bem como a formulação de uma aproximação equivocada com a corrente construtivista. Tais modos de apropriação do escopo teórico de Vigotski se respaldaram no pluralismo metodológico, que propõe a intersecção de diferentes e até divergentes teorias com a finalidade de apresentar alternativas para a resolução prática de problemáticas no âmbito do processo ensino-aprendizagem. / Abstract: This work aimed to analyze one of the appropriations of Vigotskian theory for Science teaching nowadays, and to evaluate conceptual and methodological inadequacies arisen from Methodological Pluralism. For this study we chose to analyze the production of E. F. Mortimer et ali., in which they use Vigotskian theory as support for the development of concepts and methodologies of analysis of school reality. In order to carry out our study we investigated the epistemological and conceptual bases of Vigotskian theory, i.e., Dialectic Historical Materialism and the development of both thought and language. Through a revision of Mortimer's work using the bases of Vigotskian theory we were able to detect the existence of appropriations that are not very truthful to Vigotski's original ideas and concepts as well as the formulation of a wrong approach to constructivist theory. Such modes of approach to Vigotskian theory were based upon Methodological Pluralism, which purposes the intersection of different, and even divergent, theories in order to present alternatives for the practical resolution of problems within the context of the teaching/learning process. / Mestre

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o desenvolvimento de conceitos por cegos. Participaram da pesquisa sete cegos congênitos de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 8 e 13 anos, que foram entrevistados a fim de elucidar os recursos e caminhos de que se utilizam na formação de conceitos. A pesquisa foi realizada em duas fases. Em um primeiro momento (Fase 1), foram apresentadas seis histórias elaboradas por Keil e adaptadas ao nosso meio, com o objetivo de investigar a utilização dos atributos definidores e característicos pelos participantes. Na Fase 2, foi solicitado aos participantes que definissem 15 conceitos, sub-divididos em concretos e abstratos. A análise dos resultados evidenciou que os cegos baseiam-se, na maioria das vezes, em atributos definidores para responderem as questões das histórias da Fase 1. Para analisar as respostas da Fase 2, 13 categorias foram criadas. As categorias que mais se destacaram pelo alto número de respostas foram: Atributos Físicos Não Tateáveis, Comportamento/Exemplo e Contexto. Outras seis categorias estiveram presentes em três grupos de conceitos, todos eles concretos: Atributos Físicos Sonoros, Atributos Físicos Tateáveis, Comparação com outros conceitos, Função, Sinônimo e Vivência. As outras quatro categorias – Localização, Instrumento, Forma de Aprendizagem Formal e Informal – referem-se exclusivamente aos conceitos concretos não tateáveis. Verificou-se que cada tipo de conceito envolve formas diferenciadas de definição e de utilização de recursos perceptivos. A presente pesquisa identificou alguns caminhos conceituais utilizados pelo cego congênito, evidenciando a multiplicidade de possibilidades de aquisição e expressão de conceitos. Foram discutidas implicações deste trabalho no processo de ensino/aprendizagem de cegos. / The purpose of this research was to investigate the development of concepts by blind children. The subjects were 7 congenital blind children, from both genders, between 8 and 13 years, who was interviewed in order to enlighten the resources and ways the use to develop their concepts. The research was divided in two stages. In the Phase I stories were told to them in order to analyze the uses of attributes that define concepts (defining and characteristics) by subjects. In Phase II, they were asked to define 15 concepts (concrete and abstract). The results showed that blind children use more frequently defining attributes to answer the questions asked in Phase I. The responses of Phase II were grouped in 13 categories. The categories which were frequently answered were: Physical Sound Attributes, Physical Touchable Attributes, Comparison with other Concepts, Function, Synonymous and Living Experiences. The other four categories - Placing, Instruments, Formal and Informal Learning - refer exclusively to not touchable concrete concepts. Each kind of concept showed different ways to be defined and different uses of perceptive resources. This research identified some conceptual ways used by the congenital blind, showing the multiplicity of possibilities to acquire concepts and their expressions. It was discussed some implications about this work in the teaching and learning process of the blind.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-27T13:44:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ELIEZER MARQUES FARIA.pdf: 1189777 bytes, checksum: 3b272bdc330a48f2bf2125ac34a9c20c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-08-21 / The discipline whose content is algorithms can aid in cognitive development of the student by requiring him to work some higher mental functions such as logical reasoning, abstraction, voluntary attention, among others. To do so requires that he develop reading and text comprehension, memory, the relationship of prior knowledge to solve problems, among other mental abilities. Therefore, their use has been recommended as early as high school. Both the algorithm and the algorithmic thinking are being applied in many different areas of knowledge (Psychology, Medicine, Portuguese, Computer, etc.). Nevertheless, the low level of learning algorithms is a problem that occurs worldwide, including in the upper reaches of Technology in GIS, offered at the Federal Institute of Goiás, Goiânia campus. In general, the work and research carried out on the learning algorithm presented solutions through design/construction of computerized tools or by changing the methodology used in the classroom. We believe it is necessary to understand and analyze this problem from a perspective grounded in a theory of learning, in order to realize the whole process, not limited to the empirical aspects arising from poor training of teachers and students. Therefore, this research was based on Cultural-Historical Theory of Lev S. Vygotsky, considering aspects such as the formation of concepts, the Zone of Proximal Development and Learning. The central question of this research is: the point of view of THC, what is the role of teaching and learning algorithms? This question becomes general objective: To analyze the role of teaching and learning algorithms from the perspective of THC. It was found that the low level of learning algorithm is related to the role assigned to the subject by the subjects involved in this process, which are: the teacher and the students. Therefore, the results measured in this study reinforce the need for change in the paradigm modeled on an instrumental education. / A disciplina cujo conteúdo é Algoritmos pode auxiliar no desenvolvimento cognitivo do aluno ao exigir que ele trabalhe algumas funções mentais superiores tais como: o raciocínio lógico, a abstração, a atenção voluntária, dentre outras. Para tanto, requer que ele desenvolva a leitura e compreensão de texto, a memória, a relação de conhecimentos anteriores para a resolução de problemas, dentre outras habilidades mentais. Por isso, a sua utilização vem sendo recomendada já a partir do ensino médio. Tanto o Algoritmo quanto o pensamento algorítmico vêm sendo aplicados nas mais diversas áreas de conhecimento (Psicologia, Medicina, Português, Computação, etc.). Apesar disso, o baixo nível de aprendizagem em Algoritmos é um problema que ocorre em nível mundial, inclusive no curso superior de Tecnologia em Geoprocessamento, ofertado no Instituo Federal de Goiás, campus Goiânia. De uma maneira geral, os trabalhos e pesquisas realizados sobre a aprendizagem de Algoritmo apresentam soluções que passam pela concepção/construção de ferramentas informatizadas ou pela mudança da metodologia utilizada nas aulas. Acreditamos que se faz necessária a compreensão e a análise deste problema sob uma perspectiva embasada em uma teoria da aprendizagem, de forma a dar conta do processo como um todo, não se limitando aos aspectos empíricos advindos da formação precária dos professores e dos alunos. Para tanto, essa pesquisa foi fundamentada na Teoria Histórico-Cultural de Lev S. Vygotsky, considerando pontos como: a formação de conceitos, a Zona de Desenvolvimento Proximal e a Aprendizagem. A questão central desta pesquisa é: do ponto de vista da THC, qual é o papel do ensino e da aprendizagem de Algoritmos? Desta questão, toma-se por objetivo geral: Analisar o papel do ensino e da aprendizagem de Algoritmos sob a perspectiva da THC. Verificou-se que o baixo nível de aprendizagem de Algoritmo está relacionado com o papel atribuído à disciplina pelos sujeitos envolvidos nesse processo, quais sejam: o professor e os alunos. Logo, os resultados aferidos nesta pesquisa reafirmam a necessidade da mudança no paradigma construído nos moldes de uma educação instrumental.