Enhancing Pre-service Elementary Teachers' Conceptual Understanding of Solution Chemistry with Conceptual Change Text

This paper reports on the use of a constructivist-based pedagogy to enhance understanding of some features of solution chemistry. Pre-service science teacher trainees' prior knowledge about the dissolution of salts and sugar in water were elicited by the use of a simple diagnostic tool. The test revealed widespread alternative conceptions. These evaluation data were used to produce two segments of ‘conceptual change text’: concise summaries that present alternative and scientific conceptualizations for the concepts under study. The texts were administered to 21 pre-service elementary trainee teachers whose understandings of number of conceptions were subsequently re-evaluated employing a pre-test post-test approach in which their answers and reasons for their answers were solicited. The findings suggest that these pre-service elementary trainees' alternative conceptions are changed to become more in accord with the scientific view, with more participants providing correct answers along with correct reasons than before the intervention. This work suggests that the use of conceptual change text may provide a simple and cost and resource-effective way to aid conceptual understanding for the dissolution of ionic solids in water including the effect of solute surface on the dissolution process.     

Enhancing Students' Understanding of Photosynthesis and Respiration in Plant Through Conceptual Change Approach

This study investigated the effectiveness of combining conceptual change text and discussion web strategies on students' understanding of photosynthesis and respiration in plants. Students' conceptual understanding of photosynthesis and respiration in plants was measured using the two-tier diagnostic test developed by Haslam and Treagust (1987, Journal of Biological Education 21: 203--211). The test was administered as pretest and posttest to a total of 233 eighth-grade students in six intact classes of the same school located in an urban area. The test of logical thinking was used to determine the reasoning ability of students. The experimental group was a class of 116 students received discussion web and conceptual change text instruction. A class of 117 students comprised the control group received a traditional instruction. After instruction, data were analyzed with two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) using the Test of Logical Thinking and pretest scores as covariate. The conceptual change instruction, which explicitly dealt with students' misconceptions, produced significantly greater achievement in understanding of photosynthesis and respiration in plant concepts. Analysis also revealed a significant difference between performance of females and that of males in the favor of females, but the interaction of treatment with gender difference was not significant for learning the concepts.     

A Conceptual Change Teaching Strategy to Facilitate High School Students' Understanding of Electrochemistry

Recent research in chemistry education has shown an increasing interest in the facilitation of conceptual change in student understanding of chemical concepts. Most of the studies have tried to show the difference in student performance on algorithmic and conceptual problems. The objective of this study is to go beyond and design a teaching strategy based on two teaching experiments that could facilitate students' conceptual understanding of electrochemistry. The study is based on two sections (control, n = 29; experimental, n = 28) of 10th grade high school students at a public school in Venezuela. Experimental group participated in two teaching experiments designed to generate situations/experiences in which students are forced to grapple with alternative responses leading to cognitive conflicts/contradictions. Results obtained show that learning electrochemistry involves both algorithmic and conceptual problems. On Posttest 1, 93% of the experimental group students responded correctly, in contrast to 39% of the control group. On Posttest 2, 39% of the experimental group responded correctly, in contrast to 0% of the Control group. The difference in performance on both posttests is statistically significant (p < 0.001). It is concluded that the teaching experiments facilitated students' understanding (progressive transitions) of electrochemistry.     

Facilitating Conceptual Change in Gases Concepts

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of conceptual change oriented instruction (CCOI) over traditionally designed chemistry instruction (TDCI) on overcoming 10th grade students’ misconceptions on gases concepts. In addition, the effect of gender difference on students’ understanding of gases concepts was investigated. The subjects of this study consisted of 74 10th grade students from two chemistry classes. One of the classes was assigned as experimental group and the other group was assigned as control group. The experimental group was instructed with CCOI and the control group was instructed by TDCI. Gases Concept Test (GCT) was administered to both groups as pre- and post-tests to measure the students’ conceptual understanding. The results showed that students in the experimental group got higher average scores from Gases Concept Test. Also, a significant difference was found between the performance of females and that of males in terms of understanding gases concepts in favor of males.     

概念转变学习：一种基于建构主义的科学教学模式

建构主义认为,科学概念的学习就是学生由前概念向科学概念的转变过程。西方学者对此做了大量的研究。本文着重分析了概念转变学习的内涵、支持条件、途径和模式,以及促进前概念转变为科学概念的教学策略。     

The effect of a conceptual change approach on understanding of students’ chemical equilibrium concepts

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a conceptual change approach over traditional instruction on tenth‐grade students’ conceptual achievement in understanding chemical equilibrium. The study was conducted in two classes of the same teacher with participation of a total of 44 tenth‐grade students. In this study, a pre‐test/post‐test control group semi‐experimental design pattern was used. During teaching the topic of chemical equilibrium concepts in the chemistry curriculum, a conceptual change approach was applied in the experimental group whereas traditional instruction was followed in the control group. Data were analysed with an independent samples t‐test, and an analysis of covariance using the pre‐test scores as the covariate. The results showed that the conceptual change approach was statistically more effective than traditional instruction in terms of students’ conceptual understanding. After the six‐week intervention, interviews were conducted with 18 selected students in the study. In the interviews a prevailing alternative conception was detected beside many alternative conceptions. When they were asked to compare equilibrium constants of two different reactions they mostly responded to mean that ‘the bigger the mol number of the products, the bigger the equilibrium constant’ without considering what proportions the reactants were transformed into products in a reaction. Also, in this study a two‐tier multiple choice test was developed related to chemical equilibrium to detect students’ concepts and alternative concepts.     

概念转变模型及其发展的综述

概念是思维的工具,是人类认识世界,表达思想的载体。概念转变模型研究的是概念动态的转变过程,即由前概念向科学概念的转变过程,是一个积极建构的学习过程。探讨了概念转变模型的发展历史,阐述了两个主要学术流派的概念转变模型,即认知为基础的概念转变模型和以社会文化为基础的概念转变模型;同时,还论述了概念模型理论的新趋势,提倡在构建科学的概念模型时,必须考虑认知冲突和社会文化的融合,强调自主学习、合作学习和交互式学习三位一体的课堂教学模式。     

The Virtual Solar System Project: Developing Conceptual Understanding of Astronomical Concepts Through Building Three-Dimensional Computational Models

The Virtual Solar System (VSS) course described in this paper is one of the first attempts to integrate three-dimensional (3D) computer modeling as a central component of an introductory undergraduate astronomy course. Specifically, this study assessed the changes in undergraduate university students' understanding of astronomy concepts as a result of participating in an experimental introductory astronomy course in which the students constructed 3D models of different astronomical phenomena. In this study, we examined students' conceptual understanding concerning three foundational astronomical phenomena: the causes of lunar and solar eclipses, the causes of the Moon's phases, and the reasons for the Earth's seasons. Student interviews conducted prior to the course identified a range of student alternative conceptions previously identified in the literature regarding the dynamics and mechanics of the Solar System. A previously undocumented alternative conception to explain lunar eclipses is identified in this paper. The interviews were repeated at the end of the course in order to quantitatively and qualitatively assess any changes in student conceptual understanding. Generally, the results of this study revealed that 3D computer modeling can be a powerful tool in supporting student conceptualization of abstract scientific phenomena. Specifically, 3D computer modeling afforded students the ability to visualize abstract 3D concepts such as the line of nodes and transform them into conceptual tools, which in turn, supported the development of scientifically sophisticated conceptual understandings of many basic astronomical topics. However, there were instances where students' conceptual understanding was incomplete and frequently hybridized with their existing conceptions. These findings have significant bearing on when and in what domains 3D computer modeling can be used to support student conceptual understanding of astronomy concepts.     

课堂概念转变的哲学透视

有代表性的科学哲学观可分为三种流派：经验主义一实证主义、理性主义和建构主义。经验主义者认为预防学生错误观念的方法是教他们小心地应用逻辑程序来进行细致的观察。理性主义认为学生不正确的概念是一些基本的误解，它们应该由较好的逻辑方法来处理。建构主义的观点不是划一的。波普尔强调了实验方法的逻辑，通过尝试去证伪它们来检验假设。拉卡托斯、图耳敏和库恩不认为概念转变必须是一个逻辑过程，我们必须以各种其他的方式发展概念转变，包括课堂小组讨论机制。波斯纳模型中的要素，在拉卡托斯的模型中出现了。图尔敏认为全部的概念不是一下子全部转变的，而是通过特殊概念的转变而逐渐转变的。     

Response to Contradiction: Conflict Resolution Strategies Used by Students in Solving Problems of Chemical Equilibrium

The main objective of this investigation was to show that a novel problem of chemical equilibrium based on a closely related sequence of items can facilitate students' conceptual understanding. Students were presented a chemical reaction in equilibrium to which a reactant was added as an external effect. A series of three studies were designed. In Study 1, the sequence of items started with a major alternative conception, namely, After the reaction has started, the rate of the forward reaction increases with time and that of the reverse reaction decreases, until equilibrium is reached. In Study 2, the major alternative conception was presented the last. In Study 3, instead of the sequence, only the following statement was presented: Rate of the reverse reaction increases gradually. In all three studies students had to agree/disagree with the statements and provide justifications. Results obtained show that at least one group of students, in Study 1 used a contradictory response pattern based on the generation and resolution of a cognitive conflict, which facilitated conceptual understanding. In Studies 2 and 3 students did not experience a similar cognitive conflict. Given the complexity of conceptual change and students' resistance to alter their alternative conceptions (cf. hard core, Lakatos )1970) Criticism and the Growth of Knowledge, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, pp. 91–106), it is suggested that changes in students' responses may have undergone a Peripheral Theory Change (Chinn and Brewer (1993) Review of Educational Research 63: 1–49).     

论基于模型建构的概念转变教学模式

模型是对目标系统的简化的表征.模型建构是一种基于模型的建构性学习活动.根据认知心理学的观点,概念转变是学生朴素模型向科学模型转变与建构的过程.模型建构过程包括四个阶段的循环:激活原有朴素模型中的错误概念;对模型中的元素产生不满(产生认知冲突);建构新模型;使用新模型.基于模型建构的教学模式能促进概念转变,这一模式包括聚焦学生朴素模型中的错误概念;引发学生的认知冲突;通过类比推理,建构新模型;使用新模型,进行科学推理.     

基于建构主义的数学概念转变学习

概念转变学习是学生原有概念的改变、发展和重建,是学生的前概念向科学概念的转变.日常概念、概念意象、迁移等因素是数学概念转变学习中产生错误概念的主要原因.根据概念转变的途径、机制和条件理论,概念转变学习的教学策略:(1)了解学生已有知识经验,促进日常概念向科学的数学概念转变;(2)引发认知冲突,辨清新旧界限以实现数学概念转变学习;(3)重视概念生成的凝聚,构建概念网络.     

当代教学设计思想的转向分析

传统的教学设计假设教学像工程一样,可以开发出一整套技术,用复制的方式加以实现。受制于泰勒模式的局限,以加涅为代表的教学设计理论正在受到挑战。哲学和科学研究的新进展赋予学习、教学目标等基本概念新内涵,为教学设计开辟了新路径,新的教学设计范式正在形成之中。     

概念转变研究对学习环境设计的启示

概念转变研究为我们提供了有关人是如何学习,尤其是如何进行深度理解与学习的"新认识论"视角。众多基于实证的重要研究发现启示我们,学习环境的设计应该:重视并运用学习者的先前概念;分析并转变先前概念背后的本体论和认识论假定;发展学习者的元概念意识;创设安全、包容的学习环境;精心安排课程材料。     

The Nature of the Refutation Text Effect: An Investigation of Attention Allocation

ABSTRACT

Students often hold misconceptions that conflict with scientific explanations. Research has shown that refutation texts are effective for facilitating conceptual change in these cases (Guzzetti, Snyder, Glass, & Gamas, 1993). The process through which refutation texts have their effect is not clear. The authors replicated and extended previous research investigating cognitive processes involved in the refutation text effect. Undergraduates read either a refutation or an expository text on seasonal change. Individual reading times were recorded. Participants’ conceptions were measured at pretest, posttest, and delayed posttest. Results showed that readers spent less time reading the refutation paragraph compared to the expository paragraph. The refutation text group had fewer misconceptions at posttest. These findings suggest that refutation text processing differences mirror similar findings in the attention literature, which may account for their effectiveness.     

Impact of a Computer-Based Physics Instruction Program on Pupils' Understanding of Measurement Concepts and Methods Associated with School Science

A set of instructional materials was developed for the teaching of measurement, as part of a classroom innovation for science instruction. This project involved collaborative groupings with the computer as an instructional tool for learners to interact with. A computer-based physics instruction module was developed from a physics course dealing with the concept of measurement. This paper presents the results of an empirical evaluation undertaken over a 6-week period with 118 subjects (ages 12–17) randomly selected Form I pupils in Nakuru district, Kenya. Analysis of the quantitative data showed that the intervention promoted pupils' understanding of measurement concepts and skills, in that the subjects in the treatment groups demonstrated better at the posttests than their counterparts in the true control group. Also, the learning protocols differed markedly in favor of the subjects exposed to the treatment.     

Students' Reports of Their Cognitive Processes and Level of Understanding During Regular Classroom Instruction

The study was designed in an attempt to gain greater understanding of the kinds of learning processes engaged in by students during regular classroom instruction, and at investigating the students' level of understanding and problems in understanding parts or all of the lessons. Six school levels of male and female students from 44 secondary and pre-university classes (N=2719) were the subjects of this study. During the lessons, students and teachers were observed and video-taped. Following the lessons, students' reports of their learning processes were obtained using a questionnaire. The questionnaire also served as the basis for a follow-up interview of four randomly selected students from each of the sampled classes. The whole procedure was repeated for each class within a one-month period and for a different curricular area.

Analyses of student responses showed that more of the average ability students as compared to the high or low ability students reported understanding all of the lessons. However, the higher ability students were more likely to report using specific cognitive strategies to monitor their understanding of the lessons and in processing intellectual tasks and lesson content. They were able to provide more elaborate and more specific reasons for not understanding parts of the lessons. The results were interpreted in terms of physical and organizational characteristics of educational classrooms in Singapore. Instructional implications are discussed in relationship to both the findings and previous literature.     

试论幼儿园概念转变教学的现实必要性

当前幼儿园教学实践中存在的＂知识虚化＂现象凸显着幼儿园概念转变教学的必要性。关注幼儿在日常生活中形成的用以认识和解释世界的前概念,并采用适宜的策略促进其向科学概念转变,能在一定程度上克服幼儿园教学脱离知识的传授和学习,片面强调态度、情感和价值观的培养,片面强调教学方式的改革的弊端。     

概念转变的心理模型建构过程与策略

根据认知心理学的观点,概念转变是学生内在的朴素心理模型向科学心理模型转变与建构的过程。心理模型建构包括四个阶段的循环：激活原有心理模型中的错误概念;对模型中的元素产生不满（产生认知冲突）;建构新模型;使用新模型。概念转变的策略包括聚焦学生心理模型中的错误概念;引发学生的认知冲突;通过类比推理,建构新模型;使用新模型．进行科晕推理。