The Effects of Background Knowledge on Solving Problems in Learning Scientific Concept

과학 개념 학습에서 배경 지식이 문제를 해결하는데 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of background knowledge on problem solving. To achieve this aim, I proposed the model which shows problem solving process centering around background knowledge, conducted the lessons concerning the concept 'weightlessness' on pre-service elementary teachers, and then classified the pre-service elementary teachers into several groups by the difference of the results presented in the process of solving the problems on weightlessness. And I examined qualitatively the effects of background knowledge on problem solving through the interview with 11 volunteers. On the cause of the failing the problem solving, the failure of acquiring or activating the background knowledge related to the learning concept was most frequently, secondly the use of the background knowledge unrelated to the learning concept, and thirdly the failure of understanding the teaming concept. To acquire or activate the background knowledge related to the teaming concept was more difficult than to understand the new teaming concept, and the cases that use the background knowledge unrelated to the learning concept failed to solve problem. The result of interview, all interviewee understood the learning concept correctly, but all of them who fail to acquire or activate the background knowledge related to the learning concept, or use the background knowledge unrelated to the learning concept, could not solve the problem.