ERIC Number: EJ882957
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Jan
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0950-0693
EISSN: N/A
Explaining the Unexplainable: Translated Scientific Explanations (TSE) in Public Physics Lectures
Kapon, Shulamit; Ganiel, Uri; Eylon, Bat Sheva
International Journal of Science Education, v32 n2 p245-264 Jan 2010
This paper deals with the features and design of explanations in public physics lectures. It presents the findings from a comparative study of three exemplary public physics lectures, given by practicing physicists who are acknowledged as excellent public lecturers. The study uses three different perspectives: the lecture, the lecturer, and the audience (high school physics teachers and students). It concludes with a grounded theory explanatory framework for public physics lectures. The framework demonstrates that a "Translated Scientific Explanation" (TSE) draws upon four clusters of explanatory categories: analogical approach, story, knowledge organization, and content. The framework suggests how the lecturer fits the content of the presentation to the audience's knowledge throughout the lecture, taking into account the listeners' lack of necessary prior knowledge. (Contains 2 figures and 5 tables.)
Descriptors: Physics, Lecture Method, Communication Skills, Translation, Scientific Concepts, Scientific and Technical Information, Vocabulary, Lay People, Audiences, Secondary Education, High School Students, Secondary School Teachers, Comparative Analysis, Figurative Language, Grounded Theory, Prior Learning, Qualitative Research, Knowledge Level, Adjustment (to Environment)
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A