Education: Theory & Practice
Investigating Preservice Secondary Science Teachers’ Practices about Inquiry-Based Instruction during School Practicum
Absract. Inquiry-based learning is widely called for 21st century science classroom. It is an important instructional tool for engaging students to investigate scientific knowledge and construct habit of mind in science. This study employed qualitative methods to explore three preservice secondary science teachers practices about inquiry-based instruction during school practicum. Data were collected by lesson plan analysis, interview, and classroom observation. The empirical results showed that preservice secondary science teachers engage 5E lesson plan to their classroom and style of inquiry-based instruction be differenced. Connected between theory and practices need to be discussed for teacher preparation program.
Keywords: preservice teacher, teacher preparation, inquiry-based learning, school practicum
P. Nuangchalerm, J. Dostál, X. Luo
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Higher Education Perspectives for an Exciting Educational Experience – Part VI: An Indian Context
Absract. The special objective and scope of this paper is to highlight the different higher education perspectives to inspire confidence in students that will lead them to professionalism. Nurturing learners curiosity is one of the most important ways to help them become a lifelong learner. Encouraging them with intellectually stimulating questions can actually help develop their thoughts, ideas and ideologies. Creating an interesting learning environment will guide them towards developing creative problem solving skills and higher education is an approach to maintain overall wellbeing of society. Application of an appropriate, positive attitude keeps professional work in proper perspective and it is a way to greater personal, social and business success. It is important to develop interesting high impact higher education to inspire, motivate, energize and empower the younger generation to bring about a remarkable change in various spheres to transform the society. The upgradation of specialized knowledge and skills of university teachers is required in fine-tuning their teaching skills to deliver lively, energetic and dynamic teaching. The most enduring impact of higher education depends on the extent to which this will lead to the unlocking of people potential and raise their self-confidence to a higher level. It requires a collective effort in several sectors to create new awareness across the world that eventually leads to scientific, technological and economic progress. A centralized system to collect and analyze information about actual research conditions in various public and private organizations and then build scientific manpower and technically qualified human resources on those intricate details is essential to make significant contribution in their area of expertise. There is a need for decentralized decision making at higher educational institutions and universities without any political interference and following certain centralized norms to reignite the fire of higher education reforms. An insider’s insights is needed for effective and comprehensive higher education policy making and implementing the globally established education practices will lead to strategic achievement.
Keywords: educational opportunities, trained teachers, continuous learning, professional competence, smart teaching
B. H. S. Thimmappa
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On the Placement of Hydrogen and Helium in the Periodic System: A New Approach
Absract. In this paper the epistemological problem of the rightful position of hydrogen and helium in the periodic system is addressed. We argue for the need of introducing a new approach in order to face this traditional and complex problem. In this sense, we identify the main secondary criteria of classification involved in the discussion and analyze them in conceptual terms. On the basis of this approach, we argue that none of them has explanatory priority over the others when it comes to deciding about the inclusion of hydrogen and helium in a particular family of elements. This implies that the different criteria have the same epistemological status, until we get new arguments or new evidence. As a result, a new table which shows a relationship among the three main secondary criteria of classification proposed is put forth.
Keywords: hydrogen, helium, quantum mechanics, electronegativity, triads of atomic number
M. Labarca, A. Srivaths
Log in to read the full textCurriculum Matters
Attitudes towards Significance of Healthy Body Weight and Adipose Tissue Functions among Biology Students
Absract. Education plays an essential role in awareness and prevention of unhealthy lifestyles associated with body weight changes. The present survey aims: (1) to estimate the knowledge of causes and consequences of under/overweight among biology students and (2) to state their knowledge of beneficial functions of adipose tissue and their ability to define adipose tissue types in human body. The survey was carried out at Shumen University (Bulgaria). The biology students during their first semester at university, after their first year of education and master’s degree were interviewed. The participants were asked: (1) to classify (rate 1-5) causes of under/overweight: disorders of digestive system, endocrine system disorders, psychological problems, stress, physical activity; (2) to describe the known by them health risks associated with being under/overweight; (3) to state their knowledge of any beneficial functions of adipose tissue; (4) to define adipose tissue types in human organism. Stress was considered as a main cause of underweight (37.35%) and lack of physical activity – as a main reason of overweight (31.93%). A small proportion of students (22.29%) was able to describe some negative consequences of reduced body weight, and 45.78% described some obesity-linked diseases. More than a half (57.23%) of respondents had a poor knowledge of significance of white adipose tissue. Only 10.24% of the respondents were able to distinguish white and brown types of adipose tissue, and a single student depicted beige adipocytes. A disturbing lack of sufficient knowledge of importance of healthy body weight among biology students was revealed. High school and university biology programs should be aimed at linking scientific knowledge with health consequences. The impact of level of education must be noticed.
Keywords: healthy body weight, adipose tissue, underweight, overweight
A. Dragoeva, M. Radoslavova, V. Koleva, Z. Bakalova
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High School Students’ Misconceptions about Magnetism
Absract. The aim of this study was to investigate the high school students misconceptions about the magnetism. A diagnostic test concerning this concept was developed and administered to 98 eleventh grade students. Students are 16-17 years old. Students respondents for the test were analyzed. This study identified a number of misconceptions about the magnetism. We suggest that the results can be utilized in research that develops teaching strategies to overcome students misconceptions.
Keywords: misconceptions, magnetism
R. Dilber, F. N. Ersoy
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Use of Interactive Methods in Teaching Biology and Health Education for 8th Grade Students [In Bulgarian]
Absract. The aim of the present study is to look into the effectiveness of applying certain interactive methods in teaching of 8th grade students in the subject Biology and Health Education. The object of study is the process of teaching in Biology and Health Education lessons in Hristo Botev Secondary school in the town of Kubrat. This study was conducted in 2011/2012 academic year. The results of the study are presented both qualitatively and quantitatively. A survey was conducted among the students aimed at collecting their opinions on the interactive methods used in teaching the abovementioned topics. The conclusions are based on the obtained empirical results.
Keywords: interactive methods, ecological and health education, educational process, students, biology and health education
M. Radeva, M. Boycheva, R. Davidova
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Use of Innovative Methods in Students’ Ecological and Health Education in Biology [In Bulgarian]
Absract. The aim of the present study is to look into the effectiveness of applying certain innovative methods in teaching 8th grade students in the subject Biology and Health Education. The study is based on the findings of a literature review and practical teaching experience in this compulsory school subject with the aim of improving the process of education. The study was conducted in Ivan Bogorov Vocational School of Economics in Varna in 2013/2014 academic year and was based on lesson topics described by Ovcharov et al. (2009). The topics included: The Cell, Hygiene of nutrition and Digestive System, Epithelial and Connective Tissue. The article presents illustrated fragments of methodological model of lessons with the use of innovative teaching methods. The conclusions are made on the basis of the obtained empirical results.
Keywords: innovative methods, ecological and health education, educational process, students, Biology and health education
S. Ilieva. M. Boycheva, R. Davidova
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Voltametric Sensor for Nitrophenols Based on Screen-Printed Electrode Modified with Reduced Graphene Oxide
Absract. The electrochemical responses of nitrophenols can be enhanced effectively by using electrochemically reduced graphene oxide at screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE-ERGO). The influence of the modifier on the electrochemical behavior of hydroquinone, phenol, 2-nitrophenol, 3-nitrophenol, 4-nitrophenol, 2,4-dinitrophenol and 2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenolat the screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) was investigated in phosphate buffer solution at pH 7. The electrode material was printed on transparency film for inkjet devices. Modification of the SPCE with reduced graphene oxide has been significantly increased the sensitivity compared to unmodified electrode. In differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) we observed a significantly increased signal for hydroquinone (25 ppm) from 1.02 µA to 4.11 µA as a result of modification on SPCE. Also it was shown an increase of signal about 4 times for 3-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol. In most cases amperometric measurements has shown an increased sensitivity to nitrophenols with modified electrode, specifically for 2-nitrophenol, where sensitivity has been increased 35 times. Simple way of preparing such a sensor, its easy modification, and improvement of signal to nitrophenols make this sensor suitable for application. SPCE-ERGO successfully was applied on determination of phenols in waste water.
Keywords: SPCE, sensor, nitrophenols, reduced graphene oxide, waste water
A. Maloku, L. S. Berisha, G. Jashari, E. Andoni, T. Arbneshi
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Superheavy Chemical Elements 113 – 118: Synthesis, Naming and Properties [In Bulgarian]
Absract. Syperheavy chemical elements 113 – 118 are 7p-elements and are members of groups 13 – 18 of the Periodic Table. Their properties depend on, in significant extent, of relativistic effects: direct, indirect and spin-orbit splitting. These effects permit to be predicted that chemical properties of the elements will differ significantly than the properties of the lighter members of the groups. It is difficult to carry out real experiments because of the short-lived isotopes of the elements. However some experiments have been realized and the results confirm the predicted properties. The hypothesis for existing of “island of stability†centered at element 114 (Flerovium) has not been confirmed. Instead, there is a region of superheavy nuclei with enhanced stability.
Keywords: decay chain, nuclear fusion, island of stability, relativistic effects, spin-orbit splitting, superheavy elements
I. Dukov
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Docent Ilya Todorov Karageorgiev: A Memory for a Modest and Distinguished Scientist [In Bulgarian]
Absract. The article presents brief biographical remarks for docent Ilya Karagueorgiev – a teacher and scholar from the University of Sofia St. Kliment Ohridski and for his contributions to the education in Bulgaria and to the Evolutionary theory and Darwinism. He was also a creator and director of the state enterprise for school aids in Sofia. His research was directed to the high brain activity of man and primates.
Keywords: Karageorgiev, Biology, Darwinism, school equipment
V. Golemansky
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Some Aspects Related to the Development, Implementation and Assessment of Educational Computer Presentations [In Bulgarian]
Absract. The basic didactic requirements for computer presentations, their place in the lesson and organizational forms to work with them as contemporary visual aids in learning are considered. Some requirements for presentations of information on the slide and the style of the slide are listed. Indicative criteria for assessing educational computer presentations are proposed.
Keywords: assessment, education, computer presentation, requirements
H. Petrova
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