ERIC Number: EJ1109133
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Aug
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1571-0068
EISSN: N/A
Scientific Reasoning and Its Relationship with Problem Solving: The Case of Upper Primary Science Teachers
Alshamali, Mahmoud A.; Daher, Wajeeh M.
International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, v14 n6 p1003-1019 Aug 2016
This study aimed at identifying the levels of scientific reasoning of upper primary stage (grades 4-7) science teachers based on their use of a problem-solving strategy. The study sample (N = 138; 32 % male and 68 % female) was randomly selected using stratified sampling from an original population of 437 upper primary school teachers. The scientific reasoning test was based on a problem-solving strategy and consisted of five parts (32 items) covering basic problem-solving skills. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to interpret the data. Results indicated that the level of scientific reasoning of these science teachers was high with significant gender differences (p = 0.05) on levels of scientific reasoning that favored the female teachers. The results also showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in scientific thinking among teachers with different experiences, qualifications, and specializations. These results support holding professional development courses for teachers to develop their scientific reasoning and thinking skills.
Descriptors: Elementary School Teachers, Science Teachers, Problem Solving, Logical Thinking, Statistical Analysis, Gender Differences, Teacher Competencies, Teacher Characteristics, Thinking Skills, Science Instruction
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 4; Grade 5; Grade 6; Grade 7
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A