Students' Perceptions of the Role of Models in the Process of Science and in the Process of Learning

Autor/inn/en	Chittleborough, Gail D.; Treagust, David F.; Mamiala, Thapelo L.; Mocerino, Mauro
Titel	Students' Perceptions of the Role of Models in the Process of Science and in the Process of Learning
Quelle	In: Research in Science & Technological Education, 23 (2005) 2, S.195-212 (18 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0263-5143
Schlagwörter	Questionnaires; Teaching Models; Learning Processes; Epistemology; Science Instruction; Student Attitudes; Scientific Concepts; Science Process Skills + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Fragebogen; Lehrmodell; Learning process; Lernprozess; Erkenntnistheorie; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Schülerverhalten
Abstract	The purpose of this paper was to investigate students' views on models and modelling in science as well as the role that models play in learning, using a theoretical framework of models in learning. Students' views on models in science were investigated using a pencil-and-paper questionnaire given to 275 students from Grade 8 (13 years old) to first-year university students, which enabled both forced choice and an open response. The results provided evidence, improving with increased years of schooling, that many students have a good understanding of the role of models in the process of science, appreciating the representational nature of models, the multiplicity of models and the changing nature of models. However, in contrast to previous studies, many students were also aware of the role of models in their learning of science. While some students had a fascination for true facts and single and correct models, others exhibited more sophisticated epistemologies of science. Mostly students' comments revealed developing understandings of the process of science. Scientific models were associated with students' understanding of the role of scientific models in the process of science and teaching models were more commonly associated with students' understanding of the role of models in the process of learning. (Author).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10