• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.429-440
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• 2017

This study investigated the influence of paired think-aloud problem solving on interactions among the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) components considered in the processes of making written test items by pre-service chemistry teachers. The processes of making written test items using paired think-aloud problem solving in four small groups consisting of two pre-service chemistry teachers were recorded and transcribed. The analysis of the results revealed that the 'assessment in science education' of the five PCK components, regardless of the roles (solver or listener), was most frequently used in making written test items. 'Subject matter knowledge' and 'students' were also frequently used although less than the previous component. However, 'curriculum for science education' and 'instructional strategies and instruction for science education' was a little used. In the aspects of integration, the integrations between two or three components of various types were frequently found. The integrations among four or five components were also slightly found. However, the integrations of 'curriculum for science education' with the other components were less frequently found. The integrations of 'instructional strategies and instruction for science education' with other components were hardly found. The usefulness, limitations, and effective use of paired think-aloud problem solving as a strategy improving competency to make written test items and the PCK of pre-service teachers were discussed on the basis of the results.

• Journal of Science Education
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.225-237
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of elementary pre-service teachers regarding their interest in science. A survey was conducted among 187 elementary pre-service teachers enrolled at Non-Metropolitan Area A University of Education. Data collection was carried out concurrently with three elementary pre-service teachers who agreed to participate in online interviews. The survey responses provided by the elementary pre-service teachers were analyzed using a qualitative text analysis method. Interest in science was observed to decrease during middle school, followed by the upper grades of elementary school and then the lower grades. The reasons for the decline in interest in science were interpreted as stemming from negative experiences with science education within the context of individual circumstances in the school setting. Strategies to address the decline and enhance interest in science were discussed across individual, family, school, teacher, local community, and national levels, considering both short-term and long-term perspectives. These strategies encompassed various inquiry activities and experiences related to the field of science, engagement in science-related activities, student-centered instruction, teacher professional development, support for elementary students and teachers, and policy measures. The multifaceted approach and efforts aimed to open avenues for positive feedback regarding science on an individual level and foster experiences related to science were interpreted as part of an effort to counteract the decline in interest in science. Lastly, given the current situation of declining interest in science and the need to enhance students' interest, it was implicitly and explicitly discussed that pre-service teachers should focus on improving their expertise in curriculum instruction. This research, by exploring the conceptual characteristics of interest in science, perceptions of changes, and educational needs related to interest in science among elementary pre-service teachers, is expected to have academic significance as foundational research data for the current status of declining interest in science.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.80-95
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to reduce the drop out rates and enhance the quality of docent training education program in the Nature Heritage Center by providing educational services appropriate to the docents' needs based on the docents satisfaction survey. In this research, we conducted the survey to analyze the importance-satisfaction of natural heritage docent satisfaction in natural heritage docent training programs. The subjects of this survey were 30 docent in Natural Heritage Center. To develop a questionnaire, a factor analysis was conducted, as a result, 6 factors and 22 questions were presented. They are 'curriculum and instruction', 'advice for docent', 'educational environments', 'administrative services', 'support for docents', 'docent life'. The results of t-test, there was a significant difference between importance and satisfaction of the every 22 questions, the mean score of satisfaction(M=3.87, SD=.08) was lower than that of importance(M=4.10, SD=.20). According to ISA, the items located in "concentrate here" were deduced. They are 3 items from administrative services, device for docent, curriculum and instructions. To put in concretely, They were 'lecture content(subject)', 'teaching method', 'service attitude of personnel', 'interest in a docent' Based on these results and descriptive responses from the docents, the strategies for docent satisfaction in natural heritage docents training programs were suggested.