The purpose of this study was to identify the management demands that may be unique to science classrooms. The sample consisted of three biology teachers and three language arts teachers from two high schools located within the same school district. To establish a basic framework, two quantitative questions were addressed: (1) What is the frequency of contexts utilized in the two content areas and (2) what is the average amount of time spent in each of the contexts based on the content being presented? For each quantitative question, there are 16 null hypotheses that correspond to specific, predefined classroom contexts. In addition to the two quantitative questions, a qualitative research question was addressed: Are there specific management patterns to be emphasized based on the context and subject matter being presented? Data from classroom observations were collected and coded utilizing methods described in previous research studies. The coded data were then statistically analyzed. To address the qualitative research question, a systematic qualitative analysis was conducted across the different contexts. The results show that seatwork, group seatwork, and student presentations occurred with significantly greater (p<.05) frequency in language arts classes. In contrast, hands-on activities, non-academic activity, and dead time occurred more frequently in biology classes. In addition, in language arts classes a significantly longer average time in individual seatwork activites was evident; while in biology classes, a significantly greater average time was spent in lecture, tests, and transitions. Qualitative analysis of the data indicated that within any given classroom context, the classroom management behaviors of the teachers were consistent. In general, subject matter differences are not revealed directly in terms of management within a particular context. More importantly the instructional approaches taken within the two subject matter areas were different. The instructional approach was determined by the goals and objectives of the class and how the teacher viewed the subject matter. The instructional approach, in turn, dictated the types of contexts and each context determined the management demands. / Graduation date: 1996

published_or_final_version / Education / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Argumentation is being seen as increasingly important in science lessons to develop students’ argumentation skills, reinforce their learning of science, and develop scientific literacy (Driver, Newton & Osborne, 2000). This study aims to investigate whether, and to what extent, students are able to use argumentation effectively in science class and what relation there is between argumentation and interest and achievement in science and epistemic beliefs. An intervention was carried out on 45 students in their first year of secondary school in an international school in Hong Kong. Students in the intervention class (n=22) were taught using an argumentation-based learning strategy; they were compared to a control class (n=23) who were taught using a standard textbook higher-order-thinking learning strategy. Three quantitative measures were used to compare cross group difference after a two-month intervention period. Results indicated that the training group did not show any significant change in their scores of the Epistemic Belief Inventory (EBI) or science term grades. However, they showed significant gains (p<.05) in their enjoyment of and confidence in science learning as measured by the Science Questionnaire (SQ). Two qualitative measures, namely one-to-one interview and online forum discussions were also used to gain understanding of students’ use of argumentation. Results of the current study suggest that these students were not able to use or trained to use argumentation in science to achieve significant improvement in science scores. However, the teaching of an argumentation-based strategy may at least improve their enjoyment and confidence towards science learning, which may in turn lead to long-term improved learning. Limitations of the current study will be discussed and further research will be suggested. / published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

This study aims to find out the influences of science teachers’ teaching implementations in addressing the students’ common misconceptions on their conceptual understanding on photosynthesis. The study was conducted in a school in Hong Kong with an international setting. A total of thirty-one Year 9 students participated in this study. Eighteen students were taught by Teacher A, the intervention group, who carried out the intervention to identify the common students’ misconceptions on photosynthesis and attempt to change the students’ misconceptions by carrying out different teaching activities. On the other hand, thirteen students were taught by Teacher B, the control group, who taught according to the Year 9 Science curriculum plans of their school and had focussed on delivering the expected concepts to be acquired by the students. Students’ conceptual understanding was assessed through the use of 4 different instruments, including the two-tier multiple choice question developed by Haslam and Treagust (1987) and the cartoon concept developed by Naylor and Keogh (2000), before and after the teaching of the topic. Results showed that the intervention group had better conceptual understandings on the plants’ food and the harnessing the Sun’s energy by plants during photosynthesis while the control group had better conceptual understandings on respiration in plants and the limiting factors on photosynthesis in plants. Overall, the intervention group had not developed a better conceptual understanding nor less misconception compared to the control group. Open ended teaching strategies (self-exploration, whole class or group discussions etc.) had limited the conceptual understanding amongst the lower achievers and the formation of misconception ‘plants respire only at night’ in the intervention group. / published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

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The general problem was to investigate theoretical and empirical relationships between student attitude toward Grade 10 science and classroom learning environment variables and to use these findings interpretively to design a teaching/learning strategy which could be used to improve student attitudes. This investigation sought to answer three questions: 1. How is student attitude toward the subject science acquired, changed, and related to variables within a science classroom learning environment? A description of these associations was based upon an analysis of the writings of Ajzen and Fishbein (1980) and Haladyna et al. (1983). 2. What is the nature and strength of the empirical relationship between student attitude toward Grade 10 science and classroom learning environment variables? This determination was accomplished in two ways. The first way involved the possibility of obtaining a linear relationship between a dependent measure of student attitude toward Grade 10 science and a composite of independent learning environment variables. The second way involved the gathering and analysis of student ideas about this relationship using an interview technique. 3. How can the results of this study be used interpretively to improve student attitudes toward Grade 10 science? The focus here was to design a teaching/learning strategy which could be used by the classroom teacher in order to improve student attitudes based upon some of the theoretical and empirical relationships revealed in this study. In the first question it was found that the Haladyna model of variables that could influence student attitudes and the Ajzen and Fishbein view of attitude and attitude change could be interpreted and applied in an educational context to assist in the provision of a perspective on a problem in teaching practice -mainly how can learning environment variables be manipulated in an attempt to improve student attitudes. In the empirical question it was found that a linear relationship existed between measures of student attitude toward Grade 10 science and student beliefs about their classroom learning environment. A forward regression analysis revealed that three variables accounted for 28.9% of the measured variance in student attitude. These variables, in decreasing order of significance of contribution, were: a) Satisfaction (extent to which students are satisfied with the work of the class; b) Apathy (extent to which students care about the class); and c) Difficulty (extent to which students find the class difficult). Personal interviews of 16 Grade 10 science students revealed other learning environment variables which were related to student attitude toward Grade 10 science. These variables, in order of salience, were the: a) extent to which there are hands on activities, b) clarity and organization of teacher explanations, c) perceived usefulness of the science knowledge d) degree of difficulty of the subject and e) quality of interpersonal relationships in class. Interviews of teachers and students also provided additional suggestions as to how to promote more positive student attitudes. Some of the more frequently mentioned suggestions were: a) more labs and hands on activities, b) less teacher talk, c) more emphasis on the practical/social/personal aspects of science content, d) more teacher enthusiasm to promote science as a valuable activity, and e) to have as great a variety of science activities as possible. The third question involved design of a teaching/learning strategy based on a format for the application of theory to educational practice suggested by Joyce and Weil (1980). This strategy, which involved the manipulation of the learning environment in accordance with the Ajzen and Fishbein theory, was illustrated by a sample lesson from a unit of instruction developed by the researcher. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education