ERIC Number: EJ1230182
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Sep
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2077-2327
EISSN: N/A
Developing a Taxonomy for Visual Representation Characteristics of Submicroscopic Particles in Chemistry Textbooks
Papageorgiou, George; Amariotakis, Vasilios; Spiliotopoulou, Vasiliki
Science Education International, v30 n3 p181-193 Sep 2019
The illustration characteristics of 221 visual representations (VRs) of submicroscopic particles in nine Greek secondary chemistry school textbooks from the last three decades were analyzed. This analysis was done to develop a taxonomy that could help science teachers and curricula designers evaluate the efficacy of such characteristics on student learning. The sample was quantitatively divided into three distinct time periods and analyzed qualitatively using the phenomenographic method through an inductive approach. The "unit of analysis" was every VR of submicroscopic particles together with its caption. Qualitative analysis revealed characteristics such as the type of VR, the way of expression, the signs used, the dimensions represented, the text included, and the complexity of the VR. Quantitative analysis revealed the effect of time on the characteristics. The taxonomy provides an integrated view of VRs illustration characteristics that could help in realizing the multiple ways in which the meaning of a VR could be interpreted, whereas it can also contribute to future appropriate design and use of such VRs toward a better science curriculum.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Science Instruction, Chemistry, Textbooks, Secondary School Science, Taxonomy, Scientific Concepts, Illustrations, Visual Aids, Textbook Content
International Council of Associations for Science Education. Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Education, Buca, Izmir 35150, Turkey. Tel: +90-532-4267927; Fax: +90-232-4204895; Web site: http://www.icaseonline.net/seiweb/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Greece
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A