ERIC Number: EJ764433
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Feb
Pages: 23
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0950-0693
EISSN: N/A
Scaffolded Problem-Solving in the Physics and Chemistry Laboratory: Difficulties Hindering Students' Assumption of Responsibility
Reigosa, Carlos; Jimenez-Aleixandre, Maria-Pilar
International Journal of Science Education, v29 n3 p307-329 Feb 2007
This case study examines the performances of 18 10th-grade students (age 15-16 years) in the process of performing problem-solving tasks in the physics and chemistry laboratory. The study focuses on different types of problems arising in the process of transferring responsibility to students in a context of teacher assistance to autonomous problem-solving. The students' conversations were audiotaped and videotaped, and their productions collected. Problems were found in relation to excessive task difficulty, to stereotyped school culture reflecting procedural display rather than genuine problem-solving, and to problems related to within-group interactions and roles. The findings are discussed in reference to the educational goal of students progressively assuming responsibility in their own learning. (Contains 4 tables and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Physics, Science Laboratories, Educational Objectives, School Culture, Problem Solving, Chemistry, Grade 10, Science Instruction, Scaffolding (Teaching Technique), Teaching Methods, Student Responsibility
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 10; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A