No description available.

No description available.

A educação científica tem se voltado para atividades pedagógicas que utilizam a prática investigativa de alunos. Um dos objetivos é que os estudantes se apropriem não apenas dos conceitos científicos, mas também das práticas específicas da atividade científica. Uma das pretensões é que os alunos desenvolvam a competência da argumentação científica. Esta investigação pretende compreender como os alunos desenvolvem sua argumentação escrita, analisando a utilização que fazem dos dados como evidências da seleção natural de forma a sustentar suas conclusões na resolução de questões investigativas sobre evolução biológica. Elaboramos uma sequência didática cuja arquitetura estabelece os alicerces para a ação pedagógica do professor e promove uma atuação investigativa dos alunos. A arquitetura da sequência tem duas bases integradoras: a) a educação científica baseada em investigação e b) a matriz de construção histórica da investigação de Darwin sobre a seleção natural como mecanismo da evolução biológica. Para investigar como seria o ensino da evolução biológica que recupera o viés da matriz investigativa utilizada por Darwin, nossa questão-problema foi construída com dois grandes focos: a) como articular intenções conceituais e metodológicas características da natureza das ciências biológicas com a abordagem dos principais obstáculos da construção histórica do conceito de seleção natural numa sequência didática baseada em investigação e b) de como é a utilização de dadosT como evidências da seleção natural na composição da estrutura argumentativa escrita de alunos de ensino médio durante a aplicação de uma Sequência de Ensino de Biologia Baseada em Investigação (SEEBI) para o ensino de evolução biológica. Para investigar nossa questão, elaboramos a SEBBI que foi aplicada por uma professora da rede pública para 125 alunos da 3ª série do ensino médio de uma escola pública estadual de São Paulo. Nossa metodologia é de abordagem qualitativa integrada a uma abordagem quantitativa. Nossos dados compõem-se de: a) materiais (apostilas, modelos experimentais, elementos audiovisuais utilizados nas aulas) e b) apostilas com respostas escritas pelos alunos após as atividades propostas. As análises foram realizadas a partir das apostilas escritas dos alunos, dos materiais elaborados e disponibilizados na SEBBI e na transcrição que realizamos. Os resultados mostram que a SEBBI tem alicerces em intenções conceituais e metodológicas características da biologia. Além disso, os resultados apontam para uma superação de obstáculos conceituais pelos alunos, como a teleologia cósmica e o fixismo, para a construção do conceito de seleção natural. Os resultados das análises apresentam uma melhora na capacidade argumentativa dos alunos, uma forte correlação entre o uso de dados de evolução biológica com a construção de argumentos de maior qualidade pelos alunos, pelo uso de justificativa (garantia e apoio) alicerçada em conhecimento científico. Há evidências da ampliação da construção de argumentos, tanto no aumento do número de componentes utilizados quanto na qualidade dos componentes campos-dependentes da ciência, como o apoio e evidências. Os argumentos construídos passam a apresentar a sustentação baseada em apoio conceitual específico do paradigma das ciências biológicas como a seleção natural, validando as conclusões a partir do uso de dadosT de Toulmin da investigação realizada pelos alunos. / The scientific education has focused on pedagogical activities that use students investigative practice. One of the objectives is so that students not only obtain the scientific concepts, but also the specific practices of science activity. It is a pretention that students develop their scientific argumentation competence. This investigation aims at understanding how students develop their written argumentation, analyzing their use of data as evidence of natural selection in order to sustain their conclusions about biological evolution investigative questions. We made a didactic sequence, which architecture establishes the foundation to the teachers pedagogical actions, and promotes students investigative actions. The sequence lies on two integrative bases: a) an investigation based scientific education and b) Darwins investigation on the natural selection as a mechanism of the historical construction matrix of biological evolution. In order to examine how would it be the biological evolution teaching based in Darwins investigative structure, our problem question was built with two main focuses: a) how could we articulate conceptual and methodological intentions, characteristic to biological sciences, with the approach of the main historical obstacles of natural selection in evolving into the concept of the mechanism of biological evolution in a didactic sequence based upon inquiry and b) how it is the use of data as evidence of natural selection in the high school students written argumentative structure during the application of Inquiry Based Biology Teaching Sequence (SEEBI, in Portuguese) to biological evolution teaching. To investigate our task, we developed a SEEBI that was applied by a public networks teacher to 125 high schools senior year students in a public school of São Paulo. Our methodology has qualitative and quantitative approaches. Our data consists of: a) materials (textbooks, experimental models, audio-visual resources used in class) and b) booklets with answers written by the students after the proposed activities. The data analyses were based upon these booklets, with students written answers, materials elaborated and posted in the SEEBI and also in the transcription we did. The results show that SEEBI has its foundation lied on conceptual and methodological intentions, characteristic to Biology. Furthermore, the results indicate an overcoming of conceptual obstacles as well, such as cosmic teleology and fixism, therefore, building the concept of natural selection as a mechanism of biological evolution. The study of the consequences presents an improvement in students argumentative ability, a strong correlation between the use of data from biological evolution with the construction of higher quality arguments by the students, using justifications (warranty and theoretical support) grounded in scientific knowledge. Theres evidence of an expansion of the arguments construction, both increasing the number of used components as well as the field-dependent components of sciences quality, such as support and evidence. The arguments constructed shall provide support based on specific conceptual assistance in paradigms of Biology, like natural selection, validating the findings from the use of data (Toulmin, 2006) in researches conducted by students.

Nos últimos anos aumentou o número de pesquisas que abordam aspectos epistemológicos no ensino de ciências, destacando a ideia de que este não deve se preocupar somente com a aquisição de conceitos, mas também deve possibilitar que os alunos se apropriem das práticas epistêmicas da ciência, favorecendo assim a Alfabetização Científica. As páginas que se seguem apresentam um estudo de caso qualitativo planejado e realizado para compreender como se dá o engajamento dos alunos em práticas epistêmicas da cultura científica. Nosso principal objetivo foi analisar as práticas de inscrição realizadas pelos alunos e suas relações com a produção de explicações e argumentos durante uma atividade investigativa sobre crescimento populacional de Lemna sp. Os dados da pesquisa foram coletados durante as aulas de biologia em duas classes do primeiro ano do ensino médio (alunos com idades entre 15 e 16 anos) de uma escola pública estadual da cidade de São Paulo. A análise da sequência didática e dos relatórios produzidos pelos alunos nos forneceu evidências de que as práticas epistêmicas experimentadas pelos alunos ao longo da atividade de investigação diferem a depender do tipo de dado coletado por eles, se de acordo com o modelo explicativo já conhecido ou diferente do previsto pelo modelo. Além disso, nossa análise evidenciou que o contexto de investigação constitui-se como importante repertório interpretativo das inscrições literárias produzidas pelos alunos, favorecendo a construção de explicações com garantia nos dados coletados. O contexto de investigação também se mostrou relevante na construção de argumentos, uma vez que a maioria das justificativas utilizadas era de natureza empírica, especialmente nos relatórios dos alunos que trabalharam com dados não previstos pelo modelo explicativo. Assim, após análise da sequência didática e dos relatórios produzidos pelos alunos, encontramos evidências de que a atividade de investigação propiciou oportunidades de engajamento em práticas epistêmicas da cultura científica, especialmente aquelas relacionadas à produção e intrepretação de inscrições literárias, o que favoreceu o processo de construção de explicações e argumentos, práticas fundamentais na produção do conhecimento científico. / In recent years increased the number of researches on epistemological aspects in science teaching, emphasizing the idea that this shouldn\'t be concerned only with the acquisition of concepts, but should also enable students to take ownership of epistemic practices of science, favoring so the Scientific Literacy. Here, is presented a qualitative case study planned and conducted to understand how is the engagement of students in epistemic practices of scientific culture. Our aim was to analyze the application of practices carried out by students and their relationship with the production of explanations and arguments during an investigative activity on growth of Lemna sp population. The data were collected during biology classes from high school classes in a public high school, São Paulo city, Brazil (students aged: 15 to 16 years). The analysis of the inquiry-based learning activity and reports produced by the students provided us with evidence that the epistemic practices experienced by the students during the research activity differ depending on the data type collected by them, in accordance with the explanatory model already known by students or different predicted by these model. In addition, our analysis showed that the research context constitutes an important interpretive repertoire of literary inscriptions produced by the students, favoring the construction of explanations to assure the data collected. The research context was also relevant in the construction of arguments, since most of the justifications used was empirical, especially, in the reports of the students who worked with data not provided by the explanatory model. So after a review of inquiry-based learning activity and reports produced by the students, we found evidence that this inquiry-based learning activity led engagement opportunities in epistemic practices of scientific culture, especially those related to production and interpretation of literary inscriptions, which favored the process of construction of explanations and arguments, fundamental issues for the production of scientific knowledge.

Intermediate elementary students (grades 4 and 5) frequently struggle to become scientifically literate in their general education classrooms. Scientific literacy includes knowing how to access and use information found in science texts. Unfortunately, many students struggle to read and understand science texts (Michalsky, Mevarech, & Haibi, 2009, p. 363). Fortunately, elementary students have shown improvement in reading comprehension when explicitly instructed in cognitive and metacognitive strategies to comprehend expository text in settings that support collaboration and flexible application of comprehension strategies, and have meaningful opportunities for reading and writing (Mastropieri & Scruggs, 2004; Palincsar & Klenk, 1992). A method that includes these components is reciprocal teaching (RT; National Reading Panel, 2000). RT has been used during content area instruction to increase reading comprehension skills of intermediate elementary students without disabilities in general education classrooms (King & Johnson, 1999; Lederer, 2000; Lubliner, 2004). These reading comprehension gains have been maintained by students on follow-up tests after the RT intervention has been withdrawn (Palincsar & Brown, 1984; Westera & Moore, 1995). This study examined the effects of RT on the science literacy of intermediate elementary students (grades 4-5) participating in inclusive science classes. Students with learning disabilities (SWLD), students at-risk (AR), and students in general education (GE) participated in this study. General education teachers used RT with science texts to improve science literacy. Pre/post science quizzes were used to assess the effects of the RT intervention, and post/follow-up tests assessed potential maintenance of the RT. s / Analyses of the data showed that the RT intervention resulted in improved science comprehension overall, and for each student group. In addition, the results showed that the gains were maintained for the individual student grouping after the RT intervention was removed, although these gains were not found overall.The study demonstrated that the use of RT during science instruction in inclusive, intermediate elementary classes assisted students who are AR, SWLD, and students in GE to attain science knowledge using standard science texts and materials. These results extend the experimental literature on science literacy and reciprocal teaching, particularly among intermediate elementary students. / by Kim E. DiLorenzo. / Thesis (Ed.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2010. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2010. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Orientador: José de Souza Rodrigues / Coorientadora: Arminda Eugenia Marques Campos / Banca: Renato de Campos / Banca: Marco Antonio Carvalho Pereira / Resumo: O ensino empreendedor pode melhorar diversos aspectos comportamentais dos alunos, como incentivá-los a criar o próprio emprego. O desenvolvimento de projetos pode estimular a evolução de diversas habilidades e competências empreendedoras esperadas em alunos de cursos técnicos. Observadas as duas premissas, este estudo propôs o uso de projeto integrador como estratégia para desenvolver o ensino empreendedor entre alunos de uma escola agrícola federal. O estudo baseou-se na análise documental da proposta pedagógica do curso técnico em agroindústria integrado ao ensino médio e em modelos que envolvem educação empreendedora e aprendizagem baseada em projetos. A proposta é, também, uma resposta a alguns desafios encontrados, tais como a necessidade de permanência dos alunos na escola sem atividades programadas e a superação de limitações impostas pelo desenvolvimento de projetos em disciplinas isoladas, algo que é semelhante, em termos de prática pedagógica, ao modelo tradicional de ensino. A proposta final foi elaborada a partir da adaptação de modelos educacionais e contribuições dos professores, porém precisa passar por uma avaliação mais profunda em termos dos custos envolvidos. Os resultados indicam que apesar da atual proposta pedagógica apresentar eixos teóricos e práticos voltados ao desenvolvimento de atividades interdisciplinares, estas permanecem sem conexão em nível subjetivo aos métodos de ensino de cada professor. Os resultados também indicam que a melhor forma de de... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Entrepreneurship education can improve lots of students' behavioral aspects, such as encouraging them to create their own jobs. The development of projects can stimulate the evolution of several skills and entrepreneurial skills expected in students of technical courses. Based on the two premises, this study proposed the use of an integrative project as a strategy to develop entrepreneurial education among students of a federal agricultural school. The study was based on the documentary analysis of the pedagogical proposal of the technical course in agroindustry integrated to high school and in models that involves entrepreneurial education and project-based learning. The proposal is also a response to some of these challenges, such as the need for students to stay in school without programmed activities and to overcome the limitations imposed by the development of projects in isolated disciplines, something that is similar in terms of pedagogical practice, to the traditional model of education. The final proposal was drawn from the adaptation of educational models and teachers' contributions, but it needs to take more profound evaluation in terms of the costs involved. The results indicate that in spite of the current pedagogical proposal, theoretical and practical axes focused on the development of interdisciplinary activities remain isolated at a subjective level to the teaching methods of each teacher. The results also indicate that the best way to develop the entrepreneu... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Traditional chemistry laboratory courses have a manual consisting of “step-by-step” experiments; instructions are given to complete experiments, requiring minimal information/concepts processing to be successful. This experience leaves students unprepared for the real-world, where critical thinking skills are needed to conduct research. This study focused on building analytical techniques, conceptual knowledge, and critical thinking skills used to solve research problems. A new quantitative chemistry laboratory manual was developed to transition students from traditional to inquiry-based experiments, requiring analytical method development. Data showed students having less difficulty using the new manual (0.8281 average difficulty) on method development exam questions and experiments, compared to the traditional manual (0.600 average difficulty). T-test showed significant difference between item difficulty, p = 0.029. Using null hypotheses, the new laboratory manual led to an increase in students’ conceptual knowledge and research skills. They were able to use their knowledge and skills to successfully solve real-world related problems.

Improving the STEM readiness of students from historically underserved groups is a moral and economic imperative requiring greater attention and effort than has been shown to date. The current literature suggests a high school science sequence beginning with physics and centered on developing conceptual understanding, using inquiry labs and modeling to allow students to explore new ideas, and addressing and correcting student misconceptions can increase student interest in and preparation for STEM careers. The purpose of this study was to determine if the science college readiness of historically underserved students can be improved by implementing an inquiry-based high school science sequence comprised of coursework in physics, chemistry, and biology for every student. The study used a retrospective cohort observational design to address the primary research question: are there differences between historically underserved students completing a Physics First science sequence and their peers completing a traditional science sequence in 1) science college-readiness test scores, 2) rates of science college-and-career readiness, and 3) interest in STEM? Small positive effects were found for all three outcomes for historically underserved students in the Physics First sequence.

This study examined the impact of an inquiry based Next Generation Science Standard aligned science unit on elementary students' understanding and application of the eight Science and Engineering Practices and their relation in building student problem solving skills. The study involved 44 second grade students and three participating classroom teachers. The treatment consisted of a school district developed Second Grade Earth Science unit: What is happening to our playground? that was taught at the beginning of the school year. Quantitative results from a Likert type scale pre and post survey and from student content knowledge assessments showed growth in student belief of their own abilities in the science classroom. Qualitative data gathered from student observations and interviews performed at the conclusion of the Earth Science unit further show gains in student understanding and attitudes. This study adds to the existing literature on the importance of standard aligned, inquiry based science curriculum that provides time for students to engage in science practices.

Online courses of distance learning programmes at universities are designed considering the characteristics and needs of their adult learners. Basically, there are two types of learners in an online course: individual learners and collaborative learners. Designing for learner satisfaction and learning effectiveness for both types of learners is challenging. In fact, previous research has noted that many online courses fail due to poor design. As a solution, researchers have identified instructional design principles that can guide the design of successful online courses. However, these principles lack detailed information to apply them in contexts different from where they had been identified. This consideration raises a question: how does one adapt the existing design principles to design online courses that promote both individual and collaborative learning, particularly in contexts where online courses are supposed to be conducted with minimal teacher support? In the present research, this question is addressed via two sub-research questions: (1) which course components and their design features can promote learners’ satisfaction, perceived learning, and learning effectiveness, and (2) which course components and their design features can stimulate inquiry-based learning and peer-teaching? The research was carried out in the field of educational design research with sets of students and instructional designers of a virtual learning environment prepared for a university-level degree programme in Sri Lanka. Referring to the findings of this research, the thesis discusses how to design online courses that promote both individual and collaborative learning. Further, based on the findings, the thesis presents a set of design principles and guidelines to promote both individual and collaborative learning in online courses that are on information technology related subjects and prepared for distance learning programmes. / SIDA Funded National e-Learning Centre Project at the University of Colombo School of Computing, Sri Lanka