Journal of Baltic Science Education

265-266

Authors: Editorial Board

Cover page, Vol. 15, No. 3, 2016, JBSE

268-270

Authors: Paul Pace

Since the inception of the concept of education for sustainable development (ESD) (UNCED, 1992, Chapter 36, par.3), higher education institutions (HEIs) have been considered key actors in its promotion. HEIs were expected to achieve this by leading students to contextualise their learning within the realities of their own specialisation, profession and personal life by encouraging them to develop: (a) the notion of global citizenship; (b) a commitment towards environmental stewardship; (c) a reflection about the interaction between issues of social justice, ethics, wellbeing and ecological and economic factors; and (d) a commitment towards actively ensuring sustainable futures (Longhurst, 2014, p.5).

284-297

Authors: Ana Valdmann, Miia Rannikmae, Jack Holbrook

The aim of this research is to determine the effectiveness of an enacted professional development (CPD) programme to promote teacher’s self-efficacy with respect to implementing motivational, context-based science teaching, following an education through science (EtS), three-stage model approach. The CPD is designed, based on a constructivist, socio-cultural professional development model (CSPM) to meet professional needs of each teacher within a predetermined teaching-learning approach and enacted through suitable instructional methods linked to teacher as learner, teacher as teacher and teacher as reflective practitioner. The effectiveness of the CPD is identified by means of a carefully constructed and validated Teacher Needs Questionnaire (TNQ), plus follow-up teacher interviews. Findings suggest the outcomes of the CPD, both from pre-post use of the TNQ and the undertaking of interventions, using teaching-learning modules based on the CPD, are effective in raising teacher’s self-efficacy with respect to new interdisciplinary content knowledge, teaching approaches and classroom implementation, seen as being in line with curriculum expectations.

312-324

Authors: Şenol Şen

Self-regulated learning skills (such as goal setting, organizing environment and time, seeking help and self-evaluation) are critical for students to be able to successfully and meaningful learn abstract concepts such as reduction, oxidation and electrolysis. The purpose of this research was to examine the relationships between self-regulated learning skills and chemistry achievement in Turkish secondary school students. Therefore, a structural equation model was developed and tested to model the relationships among task value, control of learning beliefs, performance-approach goals, mastery-approach goals, self-efficacy for learning and performance, metacognitive learning strategies, time and study environment management, effort regulation, and achievement in electrochemistry. Data was collected from 481 secondary school students through administration of the Achievement Goal Questionnaire, the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire and the Electrochemistry Concept Test. The results showed that students’ task value, performance-approach goals, and time and study environment management significantly positively correlated with achievement. Path analysis demonstrated that metacognitive learning strategies, mastery-approach goals, and effort regulation were predictors of students’ time and study environment management. Moreover, effort regulation, metacognitive learning strategies, and mastery-approach goals were found to have indirect effects, which were mediated by time and study environment management.

340-349

Authors: Zeinab Jahangard, Asghar Soltani, Merhangiz Alinejad

Attitudes towards science is an important construct of science learning which has been affected by many factors. The main purpose of this research was to investigate whether the metacognition strategies predict students’ attitudes towards science. Accordingly, a total of 347 senior secondary students were asked to complete a questionnaire about their metacognition strategies and attitudes towards science. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate the validity of a structural/latent variable model. Findings revealed several direct and indirect effects among the factors under investigation. Of special importance, metacognition strategies positively predicted attractiveness of science (science is fun), class/teacher activities and family model as variables of students’ attitudes towards science. Attractiveness of science was also found to have effects on the science anxiety and family model was found to have effects on class/teacher activities. One important finding was that metacognition strategies could decrease students’ science anxiety. According to this information, it is recommended that science educators encourage students to employ metacognition strategies in science that may lead to more positive students’ attitudes towards science.

360-370

Authors: Cindy Wong Chyee Chen, Kamisah Osman

In order to motivate indigenous learners to learn science and instil their positive attitude towards the subject, conducive and simulative learning environment need to be specifically designed for them. This research is aimed to determine the effect of Kayeu Learning Outside the Classroom (LOC) primary science module on intrinsic motivation of indigenous learners. The treatment group (n=38) used the Kayeu LOC primary science module while the control group (n=35) used the conventional module, which are materials mandated by Ministry of Education (MOE). Three-point Likert scale intrinsic motivation questionnaire consisting of general and science constructs was administered before and after T&L to both groups. Analysis of MANOVA repeated measures showed there were no significant effects of the groups and time on the intrinsic motivation, and there was no significant interaction effect between time and the groups on intrinsic motivation. However, follow-up simple interaction analysis found that there is a significant main effect of the time and significant effect of interactions between time and the groups on the general construct.

382-390

Authors: Namudar İzzet Kurbanoğlu, Fatma Koç Nefes

Context-based questions can be effective in reducing test anxiety and increasing science achievement. The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of context-based questions on the test anxiety and science achievement of secondary school students enrolled in a science course, in relation to gender. Seventy students who were found to have high levels of test anxiety were selected from the 185 seventh-grade students at a public school in Turkey. The Revised Test Anxiety Scale (RTAS) was used to measure the students’ test anxiety. The scores the students obtained in three different examinations were considered as indicators of their academic achievement. The analysis results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the test anxiety and science achievement scores of the students who were given context-based questions and the corresponding scores of the students who were given conventional questions. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the main effect of gender and treatment and there was no gender interaction effect. These findings suggest that context-based questions can be considered as a better alternative to conventional questions for reducing students’ test anxiety and improving their science achievement.

401-404

Authors: Editorial Board

End page, Vol. 15, No. 3, 2016, JBSE

133-134

Authors: Editorial Board

Cover page, Vol. 15, No. 2, JBSE, 2016

136-139

Authors: Martin Bílek

The feasible real experiments should not be in any way eliminated from school laboratory practice. This is the permanent starting point of all approaches to natural science curricula, and it is still in force. The real living environment makes us face more and more items of the virtual environment, worlds, mediated by infinite possibilities of computer networks. The mediated perception through virtual images has become (thanks to the massive spread of information technologies) the major cognitive channel of school age pupils. Direct utilization of information from an objectively existing reality is steadily superseded and replaced by virtual information. Six years ago we asked on the first pages of JBSE Nr. 1 (Bilek, 2010): How to blend an effective and meaningful application of real, indirect and simulative observation, measuring and experimenting according to didactic principles? Do we have to answer now or do we know directions where can we find the answer?

159-172

Authors: Ümran Betül Cebesoy, Ceren Öztekin

The importance of genetically literate individuals who can understand and join debates about genetics related issues, including gene therapy or cloning has been acknowledged by societies. With this respect, raising genetically literate individuals has become more prominent. Teachers’ knowledge in genetics literacy and their attitudes towards issues in genetics literacy influence their teaching practices. As a wide range of variables effect teachers’ genetics literacy levels and attitudes, this study examined how a set of variables including pre-service science teachers’ self-perceived interest, knowledge and importance of genetics, gender, academic achievement, socioeconomic status (household income, employment status and educational level of parents) are related to the their genetics literacy levels and attitudes towards various genetics literacy issues. Data was collected from 355 pre-service science teachers through administration of Genetics Literacy Assessment Inventory and Attitudes towards Issues in Genetics Literacy Scale. Canonical correlation analysis suggested that self-perceived interest and importance in genetics literacy issues, gender and parents’ educational levels were positively associated with participants’ genetics literacy levels, as well as attitudes towards the use of genetic information, gene therapy, and gene therapy applications. On the other hand, self-perceived knowledge, GPA, household income, employment status of parents were not found to be associated.

185-193

Authors: Maria Kampeza, Angeliki Vellopoulou, Glykeria Fragkiadaki, Konstantinos Ravanis

Children form representations of concepts, physical phenomena and technical objects which are critical to teaching and learning. In addition, they are familiar with the everyday usefulness of many particular objects, although it is not certain that they associate them with the scientific aspects of their function. In this research, preschoolers’ representations of the expansion thermometer were explored, as well as their ability to distinguish it as a specialized technical tool. The sample consisted of 111 children (53 boys and 58 girls) aged 5-6 years from 9 public kindergartens in Patras, Greece and data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews. The results demonstrated that although some children replied in a satisfactory way to all interview questions, the majority of the children were not able to distinguish the thermometer as a particular object and struggled with its function, so the suggestion for it to be used in curricula and/or educational activity books should be made cautiously.

204-215

Authors: Jingying Wang, Yue Zhang, Weizhao Shi

Scientific model has been advocated as a central role of teaching in science education reform all over the world, with the critical method to achieve one of the goals of science education to promote scientific models and modeling. To find the students’ perceptions of cognitive level of physics models and their modeling mechanism, firstly, research progress in scientific models and modeling are summarized. Then, 39 experts and 8 researchers are chosen to do the three-stage questionnaire and interview, and 1576 students are selected from junior high school and 1625 students from senior high school to do the empirical study. The classification and cognitive level of physics models perceived by high school students have been founded as well as the influence on schools and regions. Finally, regression analysis on the model construction process of students is conducted. The result shows the cognitive level of scientific models held by students, appeared in Chinese national curriculum standards and national examination requirements are equivalent, but there are also some differences among students’ learning, curriculum standards and examination requirements. A specific classification of the models based on the comprehensive understanding systems is conducted, and the impact on learning among different schools and regions and inherent relationship on the cognitive level of physics models are founded.

232-245

Authors: Jing-Chuan Lee, Chih-Lien Wang, Li-Chih Yu, Shu-Hsuan Chang

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineer and Mathematics + Art/Design) education is presented to broaden interest in STEM fields, enhance the creativity of STEM students, and spur innovation. Although studies have explored the environment factors that influence individual creativity, few researches have investigated the role of students’ savoring which might drive the demand-pull innovation in creativity cultivation. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effects of perceived support for creativity and the multiple mediation of savoring capacity on individual creativity in the context of undergraduate Design education. The instruments were administered to 851 Design-majored students in Taiwan. The collected data were tested against the research model using a path analysis-based procedure of multiple-mediators analysis. Research findings include: (1) Both students’ perceived support for creativity and their ability to savor (through anticipation, enjoying the moment, and reminiscence) have significant positive effects on their individual creativity; (2) Among the three methods of savoring, savoring the moment alone has significant positive effects on individual creativity; (3) Students’ perceived support for creativity mediated by their ability to savor the moment has significant positive effects on their individual creativity. The findings provide several important theoretical and practical implications regarding fostering students’ creativity in the context of STEAM education.

261-264

Authors: Editorial Board

End page, Vol. 15, No. 2, 2016, JBSE

1-2

Authors: Editorial Board

Cover page, JBSE, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2016

4-6

Authors: Miia Rannikmäe

Innovative societies need people who are equipped with scientific and technological competences e.g. are scientifically literate. Being scientifically literate encompasses a large set of competences, many beyond those which are directly linked with exhibiting acquired scientific knowledge. While PISA studies mainly give a comparison of students’ science knowledge, thinking and process skills, the assessment is not so much about the skills needed in the workplace or functioning in society as a responsible citizen. This suggests there is a need for further comparative studies to cover this deficit. Such kind of research is essential directed to those countries which have shown high results in PISA studies (e.g. Estonia) in order to interpret PISA results more widely in new contexts. This is especially highlighted by recent findings from research carried out among a representative sample of Estonian gymnasium students.

18-27

Authors: Pavol Prokop, Dominika Majerčíková, Zuzana Vyoralová

Botany is traditionally viewed as less attractive than zoology for students, despite the fact that plants play a key role in natural ecosystems. It is hypothesized that survival-relevant information may enhance learner's attention and that this information might be better remembered than others. Additionally, the use of the PowerPoint (PPT) presentation software in teaching biology is questionable, particularly in comparison with the use of realia. A theory of adaptive memory was employed in an experiment, in which the presence of fruits, their colour and their toxicity on samples of plants was handled. The memory scores and interest in plants of the participants were measured. The effectiveness of the PPT compared with the use of realia (live plants) was also analysed. The memory scores were highest in treatments with living samples of plants containing fruits. Survival-relevant information (plant toxicity) was better retained than survival-irrelevant information. Participants retained information about plants with dark fruits better than about plants with red fruits. The activities with live plants, but not the PPT, increased participant's interest in plants. In summary, using living plants and fruits over the PPT is recommended when teaching botany.

48-57

Authors: Hyuksoo Kwon, Eunsang Lee, Dongkuk Lee

This study aims to synthesize the research findings on the effects of K-12 invention education regarding creativity, attitudes toward invention, attitudes toward science, and tendency for technological problem solving in South Korea. Meta-analyses were conducted by calculating the effect size of 37 studies, including theses and journal papers associated with the implementation of invention education, published in South Korea. The overall effect size was medium (0.694), and invention education was found to have an effect on education. The effect sizes determined by the dependent variables and the categorical variables indicated that invention education had a positive impact. In other words, invention programs have helped improve K-12 students’ creativity, attitudes toward science, and tendency for technological problem solving. However, the number of program sessions and participants in invention programs did not have an impact on the benefits of invention education. Considering the effects of invention education on the students’ perspectives, this study could be helpful to both K-12 educational researchers and practitioners in the fields of science and technology education. Further studies are needed to develop the concrete instructional strategies of invention education for K-12 science and technology classrooms.

68-78

Authors: Eunice Eyitayo Olakanmi

The purpose of this research was to develop a questionnaire that measures students’ self and co-regulated learning processes during science learning. An instrument named Co-regulated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (CRSLQ) was developed, and its validity and reliability were analysed. Factor analytic evidence from a sample (n=214) of science students indicated that the 21 items CRSLQ consists of four constructs: monitoring, help-seeking and help-giving, efforts regulation, and planning. Cronbach’s Alpha (α) coefficients were calculated for the reliability of CRSLQ scales which ranged from 0.87 to 0.92 and 0.95 for the entire questionnaire. Additional analysis with a second sample (n=40) showed that CRSLQ was an effective instrument for measuring co-regulated learning strategies during collaborative science learning. According to these results, the CRSLQ can be used as a valid and reliable instrument in science education.

97-108

Authors: Jingying Wang, Ying Zhao

Nature of science is considered to be an important component of scientific literacy, and understanding the nature of science is advocated as an important goal of science education. Scientific inquiry is regarded as the core of curriculum reform, which has become the consensus of the international K-12 science education, as well as a scientific direction for which educators have been striving over the last century. To compare the views of nature of science and scientific inquiry of teachers between China and United States, 90 high school science teachers from Shanghai and Chicago are chosen to do open-ended questionnaires and interviews. By conducting the sequential mixed method and using the empirical investigations of VNOS-D and VOSI-S, their different understandings mainly perform in the specific aspects of nature of science and scientific inquiry, cognitive stages, types and relationships etc. Overall, the level of American teachers’ views of nature of science and science inquiry are better than Chinese. Finally, some suggestions on Chinese science teachers’ education are proposed.

127-132

Authors: Editorial Board

End page, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2016, JBSE

701-702

Authors: Editorial Board

Cover page, Vol. 14, No. 6, 2015, JBSE

704-705

Authors: Vincentas Lamanauskas

One cannot doubt in the importance of Natural science and Technology education. Over the last two or three decades, attention to Natural science and Technology education has been significantly growing. On the one hand, science and technology development was encouraging this, on the other hand, one can observe a decreasing young generation interest in natural sciences and technologies. Paradoxical contrast – in technologically developed countries youth interest in natural sciences is significantly decreased. Completely different situation is in so-called developing countries. About such a situation a lot has been written, discussed, plenty of scientific research have been carried out and so on. It is obvious, that such a situation is determined by a great number of factors. However, in spite of this, education system has to change, to search for effective natural science and technology education forms and methods. The most important goal is suitable and adequate natural science and technology education of the young generation. However, what does suitable and adequate mean? What is suitability and adequacy content? Is it only quantitatively and qualitatively new knowledge and abilities? Conception, oriented only to pragmatics (only to knowledge, qualifications and/or competencies) in a certain sense is faulty. After all, some kind of competition goes, creating various education strategies and technologies. In other words, we are as if “lost” in the labyrinths of various theories, approaches, positions and attitudes and so on (Lamanauskas, 2015). A certain “resetting” is necessary, an audit of the current condition, an outline of perspective education development trends.

723-732

Authors: Ninik Kristiani, Herawati Susilo, Duran Corebima Aloysius

This research was conducted during one year in three different classes that were taught biology by using three different learnings, Inquiry-based learning, Thinking Empowerment by Questioning integrated with Inquiry learning (TEQI), and Scientific learning. This study investigated the correlation between attitude toward science and cognitive learning results in the three different learnings, and compared the three regression lines whether or not they are parallel. The results of this study show that the correlations between attitude toward science and cognitive learning results in the three biology learnings are significant, with the value of contribution as much as 0.634, 0.448, and 0.708 respectively. The results of the analysis of variance related to the regression equation in the three different learnings are parallel and do not coincide; the regression line of TEQI strategy is at the highest position. It indicated that TEQI strategy has the advantage of training attitude toward science and simultaneously increases students' cognitive learning results.

744-752

Authors: Hsiu-Chin Huang, Li-Wei Liu, Huey-Hong Hsieh, Chia-Ming Chang

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships among physical education teachers’ psychological capital, work stress, and creative teaching at junior and senior high school levels. The questionnaire was distributed to 58 schools in Taiwan and research sample were junior and senior high school physical education teachers. 395 questionnaires were distributed, 369 questionnaires were valid for statistical analysis. Hierarchical regression was used to test the impact of teachers’ psychological capital on their work stress and creative teaching. The findings showed that while self-efficacy, hope, and optimism of psychological capital significantly influenced teachers’ creative teaching positively, personal interaction and professional knowledge of work stress express negative impacts. In addition, it was found that teachers with higher personal interaction stress and higher professional knowledge stress had lower creative teaching. The study suggests to increase physical education teachers’ psychological capital and enhance teachers’ creative teaching and students’ satisfaction.

764-778

Authors: Guntay Tasci

The purpose of this study was to develop a measurement instrument to determine pre-service teachers’ perceptions of competency in biology teaching. A total of 835 pre-service teachers participated in this study. The data set obtained at the first stage was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and the data set obtained at the second stage was analyzed using first-order confirmatory factor analysis and then second-order confirmatory factor analysis. After those analyses, the convergent and discriminant validities of the scale with the determined factorial structures [χ2 (29, N=608) = 101 p<.000, χ2/df = 3.48, RMSEA=0.062, GFI=0.97, CFI=0.99, NNFI=0.98, NFI=0.98] were evaluated and Cronbach’s alpha, stratified alpha, and McDonald’s omega coefficients were estimated for internal consistency. Thus, a scale consisting of four sub-scales with 67 items in total was developed. The total score for the scale can be calculated by adding the scores of the sub-scales.

791-803

Authors: Jiří Škoda, Pavel Doulík, Martin Bílek, Ivana Šimonová

The study presents the results of the quantitative research focusing on the effectiveness of the inquiry based science education (IBSE) in correlation to motivation types of learners. Reflecting the fact that the learning results are impacted by the inner motivation, the main aim of the research was to find out whether there are differences in IBSE effectiveness in four motivation types - explorers, directors, coordinators, and accurators. The IBSE approach was applied for the period of five months to 395 fifteen-year-old learners of Czech lower secondary schools. The IBSE effectiveness was tested before the instruction (pre-test), immediately after it (post-test1) and four months later (post-test2). The results of four motivation types were compared. Directors reached the best results in post-test1; explorers in post-test2; accurators´ results were the worst of all. These findings show that the IBSE cannot be applied as a universal method; teachers should adjust its exploitation to learners’ individual particularities.

821-824

Authors: Editorial Board

End page, Vol. 14, No. 6, 2015, JBSE

561-562

Authors: Editorial Board

Cover page, Vol. 14, No. 5, 2015, JBSE

564-568

Authors: Paolo Bussotti

I teach history of science at the University of Udine, Italy. My students – about 25 – frequently the second and the third year at the faculty of Letters and Philosophy (now called “Polo Umanistico”). They have to pass a sole proof in history of science. Therefore, in this editorial, I would like to face the problems connected with the teaching of history of science to students who have a scarce knowledge of mathematics and who in their future will have probably few contacts with science and its history. Thus, two problems are particularly difficult in this case: 1) to choose the subject properly; 2) to choose the appropriate educational approach. Obviously, the choice of the subject is always important, but if one teaches history of science in a scientific faculty, the situation is, in a sense, easier: for example, at the faculty of physics, one could select a specific course each year, i.e., history of mechanics in a certain period, history of electromagnetism in the 19th century, the theory of optics as it is developed by an author or a series of authors (Euclid, Witelo, Kepler, Snell, Descartes, and so on), etc. Each subject could be dealt with by facing the particular research of each scholar and entering the specific mathematical arguments. This is not possible in a humanities faculty. Thence, I would like to explain my choice and to trace some general considerations.

586-598

Authors: Bongani D. Bantwini

Collaboration and synergy among education stakeholders is a fundamental pillar for any educational reform success. The reported research analyses the state of collaboration and work dynamics that existed between natural science district officials and primary school teachers in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Data were collected through interviews conducted with science district officials and teachers and policy document review. The results focuses on past previous experiences with officials as barrier towards effective collaboration, work dynamics between science district officials and science teachers in their districts, impact on and implications for curriculum reform implementation and professional development. It is argued that effective collaboration between district officials and teachers is a hallmark of curriculum reform success, teacher growth and success in the workplace, which result in student academic achievement. Effective collaborations are built around trust in individual’s professional integrity and are characterised by professional candour, appreciation of individuals and understanding. In conclusion, it is imperative for district officials and teachers to improve communication and strive for effective collaboration, mutual respect, and power sharing rather than domination of one group by the other.

607-615

Authors: Milan Kubiatko

The animal migration is one of the natural processes and is important not only for animals but also for people. Although this process is inseparable part of the nature, its incorporation into curriculum is on low level, not only in Czech Republic, but also in many other countries. The aim of the research was to identify lower secondary school students' knowledge of and misconceptions about animal migration and to identify if gender, grade and residence of respondents have an influence on it. The sample size was created by 184 Czech lower secondary school students. The researcher himself created the research tool. It was a test and consisted of 18 questions. The test questions were also analyzed by the proportional determination and also by the methods of descriptive and inferential statistics. The knowledge of migration was very low among lower secondary school students. The grade level had the strongest influence on the knowledge from the examined variables. In the conclusion part implications for pedagogical practice are suggested and also suggestions for the further research in this field of study.

627-640

Authors: Eunice Eyitayo Olakanmi

This study established the effects of a web-based computer simulation on the conceptual understanding of the rate of chemical reaction and attitude of 66 first year secondary school (SS1) students in Niger state, Nigeria towards chemistry. A pre-test and post-test experimental design was used during which students were randomly assigned into either the experimental or the control group. The ‘Rate of Reaction Knowledge Test’ (RRKT) and the ‘Chemistry Attitude Scale’ (CAS) was administered. Classroom observations and structured interviews with the students yielded additional qualitative data. The results showed that a statistically significant difference was found between the groups and that the web-based computer simulation improved students’ development of mental models on rate of reaction in comparison to the students in the experimental group. The students in the experimental groups also indicated that they liked using the software learning tools. The findings support the notion that chemistry teachers should be trained or re-trained in the use of web-based computer simulations for teaching chemistry. It places an onus on educational authorities to procure web-based simulations for use in teaching chemistry and other science subjects in secondary schools.

655-669

Authors: Nyet Moi Siew, Chin Lu Chong, Bih Ni Lee

This research aims to determine whether Problem-Based Learning (PBL) helps in fostering scientific creativity among fifth graders. Students’ scientific creativity (SC) was investigated in the product dimensions of (a) solving scientific problems, (b) understanding scientific phenomena, (c) advancement in scientific knowledge, and (d) improvisation skills with a technical product. A pre-test and post-test single group experimental design was employed. Pre-test measures on SC were administered to 232 fifth graders. Students participated in PBL hands-on activities that required solving open-ended problems. After these were completed, post-test measures on SC were assessed. Students' reactions to the PBL experience were also recorded. The results of paired sample t-tests showed significant differences in all product dimensions of SC, except in the understanding of scientific phenomena. Further analysis found significant differences among the creativity traits of fluency, flexibility and originality in each product dimension of SC, except in the originality in the advances of scientific knowledge. Students felt that the PBL activities were easy, fun, and interesting as well as a practical way of gaining and advancing science knowledge. Students also found their participation in sharing ideas in cooperative learning groups inspired them to be more creative. This research suggests that the PBL activities have a positive impact in fostering student’s SC in science lessons.

685-696

Authors: Virginia Brianzoni, Liberato Cardellini

Science teaching plays an important role in the contemporary society, but nowadays, many high school students are often not interested in school science. The purpose of the study was to enhance the quality of teaching and to encourage learners to study science, making student learning more effective and meaningful. The opinions of different stakeholders was taken into account. In Italy, almost 200 participants, counting both teachers and students, answered a questionnaire concerning the following aspects of teaching and learning: situations, contexts, motives; basic concepts and topics; scientific fields and perspectives; qualification; methodical aspects. The results obtained showed the priorities and main gaps in current science education. In particular, scientific literacy should be essentially based on three concepts: the development of communication skills, the improvement of intellectual skills and the development of personality. Unfortunately the study has also highlighted that the approaches judged more effective are not really common in the current educational panorama.