Problems of Education in the 21st Century

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Authors: Editorial Board

Contents, Vol. 65, 2015, PEC

6-17

Authors: Parvin Bazghandi, Saeid Zarghami-Hamrah, Yahya Ghaedi, Alireza Mahmudnia, Khosrow Bagheri Noaparast

The present study seeks to explain the implications of triple levels of the complex systems theory, as a theory about nature, science, and education, for teaching science. The study has been conducted within a philosophical approach. On the first level, the characteristics of complex systems theory about nature including: top-down character, non-linear interactions, emergence, irreversibility, self-organization, modularity, hierarchy, adaptation and bifurcation are explained. In this regard the point to be mentioned is that the teachers could facilitate the students' understanding from the fundamental features of nature by offering diverse and suitable examples. On the second level, the complex systems theory mainly addresses the nature and methodology of science. Regarding the nature of science, scientific knowledge is defined as condition-structured knowledge and regarding the methodology of science, this theory highlights the features including condition-dependent generalisation, condition-dependent laws, condition-dependent explanation, condition-dependent confirmation, and the limitations of model-centered confirmation. The implications from this level of complex systems theory for teaching science encourage the teachers to clarify the methodology of science for the students. Regarding the third level, Complex systems theory orients attentions toward dynamic, complicated, and integrated levels, including the neurological, the experiential, the contextual/material, the symbolic, the cultural, and the ecological levels of education. So teachers might explain the basic features of the natural events through non-linear and holistic methods in teaching science.

28-38

Authors: Andrea C. Burrows

While it can take different forms, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) K-12 teacher professional development (PD) is important around the world. Though all stakeholders play critical roles in PDs, the author focuses on the larger system that supports the PDs. As such, this research study focuses on the PD results, but also on the explanation of the systemic nature of the PDs studied. Partnerships, including building of relationships, are explored in that system. In this mixed methods study of two K-12 teacher PDs (n=31 and 19 total PD days), conducted in the western United States, the author utilizes quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to reinforce quality PD practices and suggested strategies. Results indicate that 90% of the K-12 teachers were highly engaged in the STEM content and partnership building. Pre to post K-12 teacher perception scores regarding astronomy use in STEM content courses showed noteworthy improvement from 16% to 84%. Furthermore, K-12 teacher perceptions regarding creation of partnerships and collaborations rose from 26% to 90%. Other findings showcase themes of reflection, collaboration, STEM integration, and inquiry as well as a need for partnership building time. Overall, when the K-12 teachers worked together in a structured PD over an academic year (2014-2015) for a selection of 19 days (13 summer days and 6 Saturdays during the academic year) partnerships were formed and provided added organization for the PD system. Faculty/PD team communications and continuous K-12 teacher support were also critical factors for systemic PD success. Access to K-12 teacher created lesson plans that use astronomy as a vehicle for STEM lessons can be accessed free of charge at the following websites: http://physics.uwyo.edu/~mike/workshop/index.html and http://www.physics.uwyo.edu/~aschwortz/LASSI/

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Authors: Geert Franzenburg

Jewish-christian tradition is memory-tradition. Just from the beginning, people are confronted with the God of Abraham, Isaak and Jacob and with particular situations, which are worth remembering (Exodus, Ten Commandments). Because the Bible combines remembering and teaching („When your son”... (Dtn 6, 20)), religious education means memory-education. Like Israel in real Exile and Diaspora, young pupils and students suffer from „virtual Exile or Diaspora“, when they are dwelling within their digital global village, and in „patchwork-families“, often without real home-experience and without any sense of belonging. Suffering from such experiences of missed orientation and belonging, they feel – as discussions in schools and groups underline - unsatisfied and uncomfortable, and look for authentic coping-models. Therefore, the study emphasizes – based on narrations of elder people - on a particular religious education-approach, which facilitates life-satisfaction by memory-learning from other experiences. The focus of research is on the question, whether memory-learning, combined with religious contents, rituals and/or metaphoric, could encourage life-satisfaction, and whether there are significant differences between East (Latvia) and West (Germany).

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Authors: Editorial Board

End page, Vol. 65, 2015, PEC