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http://dx.doi.org/10.14697/jkase.2016.36.5.0717

Analysis of Changes in the Learning Environments of Middle School Science Classes  

Lee, Jaebong (Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation)
Publication Information
Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education / v.36, no.5, 2016 , pp. 717-727 More about this Journal
Abstract
Using TIMSS survey data, we analyzed whether there were any significant changes in the learning environment of middle school science classes over the last 10 years. Our study selected questions from teachers and school principals' questionnaires and divided them by category: science class, teacher professional development, and school environment. The science class components were subdivided into three categories: science learning activities, evaluation, and homework. Within teacher professional development, the sub-categories included teacher training, collaboration to improve teaching, and teacher evaluation. School environment subdivided into two aspects, these being school characteristics and school system. Our research confirmed that there has been a positive change overall in learning environments. However, most classes are teacher-conducted and also teacher-oriented; the proportion of science investigation activities has declined compared against the prior ten years. Our study show that students do not engage in a range of inquiry-related activities. The questions on tests and examinations involve mostly knowledge application and understanding, although recent methods of evaluation show improvement. As for the science teachers, they participate in many professional development programs but focus on science content, science curriculum, and pedagogy. In addition, teachers do not have many opportunities to participate in the training to integrate information technology into science, science assessment, or improving students' critical thinking or inquiry skills. The teachers are satisfied with their profession, and the shortage of science resources does not seem to affect instruction.
Keywords
learning environment; TIMSS; teaching and learning;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 9  (Citation Analysis)
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