This thesis deals with the elaboration of learning problem-tasks related to the Standards for elementary education in the field of Chemistry. The author of this thesis worked on this topic within a project under National Institute for Education. The starting point for creating the tasks, illustrating and concretely expounding the Standards is the concept of science literacy. In this principle in chemistry instruction a broader context and a transfer to everyday life are applied. Learning tasks were created on the base of: science literacy and the results of Czech pupils in its testing, context of standards in Czech curricular system, elements of problem-based learning, types of learning tasks and cognitive parameters. During the elaboration of the tasks a pilot testing of selected learning tasks was realized. The results of the pilot testing were used in further designing more problem-tasks to cover one expected outcome in every topic of Chemistry within the elementary school curriculum. According to the methodology described in this thesis, a material named Methodical comments and tasks to the standards for primary education - Chemistry was created. This material contains a coherent set of learning problem-tasks illustrating two- thirds of the indicators from the standards for elementary education...

Reading ability impacts “high stakes” standardized tests that science students need to graduate, to enter college or to enter the work force. As a result, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) require science teachers to implement vocabulary techniques amongst other reading strategies for improved content comprehension and test performance. Simple linear regression was applied to determine the effect of average ACT reading scores on average ACT science scores. Path analysis was utilized to explain the impact of science teacher self-efficacy (X1SEFF) and teaching of important terms/facts (N1TERMS) on average ACT reading scores (AVGACTREAD) and average ACT science scores (AVGACTSCI). Those students who have higher average ACT reading scores tend to have higher average ACT science scores. Path coefficients showed that for every standard deviation in X1SEFF, AVGAVTREAD scores increased by .25 standard deviation units. Also, for every standard deviation in X1SEFF, AVGACTSCI scores increased by .20 standard units. On the other hand, science teachers’ emphasis on important science terms produced a statistically nonsignificant negative relationship with students’ average ACT reading scores and average ACT science scores. Thus, for every standard deviation in N1TERMS, AVGACTREAD scores decrease by -.09 standard units. Additionally, for every standard deviation in N1TERMS, AVGACTSCI scores decrease by -.06 standard units. The results implied that when science teachers feel confident about their ability to teach science, there students’ standardized reading and science t est scores are higher. On the other hand, when science teachers placed moderate to heavy emphasis on teaching important science terms and facts, science students’ standardized test scores decreased. As a result, quality professional development on effective reading strategies particularly vocabulary could improve science teachers’ instructional practices on teaching science terms and facts to improve students’ standardized test scores.

No description available.

This qualitative study explores the factors related to learner performance in Natural Science and to propose remedial measures to improve such performance. The purpose of this research is to deepen and widen understanding of scientific literacy, science concepts, practical work, graphic organisers and visual representations, incorporated into the classroom as instructional strategies to increase learners’ motivation and their learning of science concepts. The natural-science curriculum aims to provide learners with opportunities to make sense of ideas they have about nature. It also encourages learners to ask questions that could lead to further research and investigation. A case study method was used at the research site (school). The Natural science educators’ experiences in teaching science concepts, science literacy, science language and compliance with the requirements of Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements were identified by means of document analysis, focus group interviews and completion of a questionnaire. Results indicated several factors that could affect learners’ performance in Natural Science including inappropriate teaching strategies, overcrowded classrooms, lack of discipline, inadequate conceptual comprehension, lack of laboratory equipment and resources, non-compliance with Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements, and incomplete or unsatisfactory preparation of teachers’ lesson plans. Recommendations and suggestions for further research aimed at addressing the identified factors are indicated. The study concludes with recommendations to improve senior-phase learners’ Natural science performance. / Science and Technology Education / M. Ed. (Natural Science Education)

The diploma thesis is focused on the development of natural science literacy of pre-school age children and pupils of younger school age. The aim of this thesis is didactic processing of materials which will enable teachers/lecturers/parents to develop natural science literacy of children, without themselves having to have education in chemistry for correct understanding of the experiment, and thanks to which, at the same time, they could pass on the correct information to children in such way that prevents from the occurrence of natural science misconceptions to a maximum possible extent. The theoretical part of the thesis is devoted to child ontogenesis in pre-school and early school age, which is subsequently reflected in the creation of materials for development of natural science literacy of this target age category of children. The theoretical work includes also the characterisation of the term natural science literacy as a possible tool for increasing interest in the study of natural sciences. It states the expected positives, but also possible negatives, especially in the form of resulting misconceptions which can be associated to the introduction of natural science education for younger children. In the subsequent part, an analysis of syllabus of natural science-focused subjects at...

This diploma thesis concern with innovative methods of education, focusing on supporting of natural science literacy. The review part provides an overview of teaching methods that have been considered innovative over the last 20 years. The application part focuses on the innovation of the education topic unit Birds, taught in natural science at elementary school or grammar school, proposing: (1) innovation of curriculum content; and (2) innovative implementation of education through selected methods considering the achievement of the natural science literacy goals.

This qualitative study explores the factors related to learner performance in Natural Science and to propose remedial measures to improve such performance. The purpose of this research is to deepen and widen understanding of scientific literacy, science concepts, practical work, graphic organisers and visual representations, incorporated into the classroom as instructional strategies to increase learners’ motivation and their learning of science concepts. The natural-science curriculum aims to provide learners with opportunities to make sense of ideas they have about nature. It also encourages learners to ask questions that could lead to further research and investigation. A case study method was used at the research site (school). The Natural science educators’ experiences in teaching science concepts, science literacy, science language and compliance with the requirements of Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements were identified by means of document analysis, focus group interviews and completion of a questionnaire. Results indicated several factors that could affect learners’ performance in Natural Science including inappropriate teaching strategies, overcrowded classrooms, lack of discipline, inadequate conceptual comprehension, lack of laboratory equipment and resources, non-compliance with Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements, and incomplete or unsatisfactory preparation of teachers’ lesson plans. Recommendations and suggestions for further research aimed at addressing the identified factors are indicated. The study concludes with recommendations to improve senior-phase learners’ Natural science performance. / Science and Technology Education / M. Ed. (Natural Science Education)

Especially in connection with the results of the PISA research, the literacy in the natural science field has been lately becoming the topic of scientific discussion. It had become apparent that Czech students attain lower levels of procedural knowledge and face difficulties in evaluation and planning of natural scientific research, when compared to student of other countries. In order to be able to make use of the synergy effect between the natural science literacy and statistical literacy, it is crucial for the students themselves to be literate in statistics. The presented doctoral dissertation focuses on the importance and the matter of statistical literacy among natural science and biology students of pedagogy. The goal of this dissertation is to describe the current state of statistical literacy among students of pedagogy in natural science field. In view of the complexity of the given task; sectional goals have been proposed and executed. Firstly, the expected attainment level among the first year students of universities and colleges is analyzed, with the use of contextual analysis of documents from the Framework educational programs for primary and secondary schools. This analysis shows, what statistical knowledge are pedagogy students of natural science and biology expected to have, based on the...

The diploma thesis focuses on the topic of cultivating microgreens in nursery school. Microgreens are young plants of various species of vegetable, that are grown in soil and are harvested approximetely after ten days. The simplicity of growing microgreens makes it an appropriate activity for preeschool-age children. Besides rewarding the children with nutricious food, it brings children the oppoturnity to develop key competences and pre- literacies. The theoretical part is an information base for growing microgreens in kindergarten conditions. It describes cultivating plants in kindergarten, it deals with historicaly, legislatively and didactic point of wiew and also describe kinds of microgreens, possibilities of use and cultivation procedures suitable for kindergarten. The aim of the diploma thesis is to present the possibility of growing microgreens in nursery school with preschool children. The empirical part focuses on the design and implementation of a set of activities in which children in kindergarten grow microgreens. In addition to cultivation, other activities are also included, in which children use the topic of microgreens in individual stages of growth. The set of activities aims primarily on reaching environmental education goals and is created using a logical model. It is...

No description available.