Journal of Science Education (과학교육연구지)

Science Education Research Institute Kyungpook National University (경북대학교 과학교육연구소)
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Conceptual Characteristics Analysis of Interest in Science Perceived by Elementary Pre-Service Teachers

초등 예비교사들이 인식하는 과학 흥미에 대한 개념적 특성 분석

  • Received : 2023.10.23
  • Accepted : 2023.12.17
  • Published : 2023.12.31
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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of elementary pre-service teachers regarding their interest in science. A survey was conducted among 187 elementary pre-service teachers enrolled at Non-Metropolitan Area A University of Education. Data collection was carried out concurrently with three elementary pre-service teachers who agreed to participate in online interviews. The survey responses provided by the elementary pre-service teachers were analyzed using a qualitative text analysis method. Interest in science was observed to decrease during middle school, followed by the upper grades of elementary school and then the lower grades. The reasons for the decline in interest in science were interpreted as stemming from negative experiences with science education within the context of individual circumstances in the school setting. Strategies to address the decline and enhance interest in science were discussed across individual, family, school, teacher, local community, and national levels, considering both short-term and long-term perspectives. These strategies encompassed various inquiry activities and experiences related to the field of science, engagement in science-related activities, student-centered instruction, teacher professional development, support for elementary students and teachers, and policy measures. The multifaceted approach and efforts aimed to open avenues for positive feedback regarding science on an individual level and foster experiences related to science were interpreted as part of an effort to counteract the decline in interest in science. Lastly, given the current situation of declining interest in science and the need to enhance students' interest, it was implicitly and explicitly discussed that pre-service teachers should focus on improving their expertise in curriculum instruction. This research, by exploring the conceptual characteristics of interest in science, perceptions of changes, and educational needs related to interest in science among elementary pre-service teachers, is expected to have academic significance as foundational research data for the current status of declining interest in science.

이 연구는 과학 흥미를 주제로 초등 예비교사들이 어떤 인식을 하고 있는지 탐색하는 것을 목적으로 한다. 비수도권 소재 A 교육대학교에 재학 중인 187명의 초등 예비교사들을 대상으로 설문 조사를 실시하였다. 그 중 비대면 면담 참여에 동의한 3명의 초등 예비교사들을 대상으로 자료 수집을 병행하였다. 초등 예비교사가 작성한 설문 문항을 주제별 질적 텍스트 분석 방법을 통하여 설문 자료를 분석하였다. 면담 자료는 전사하여 귀납적으로 추가적인 해석을 더하였다. 그 결과 과학 흥미 용어에 대한 개념은 과학과 흥미 두 용어의 합성어로 해석하는 경향을 보였다. 과학 흥미가 감소하는 시기는 중학교 이후, 초등학교 고학년, 저학년 순으로 나타났다. 과학 흥미가 감소하는 이유는 학교 교육 현장에서 개인 맥락적인 범위 내에서 과학 교과에 대한 부정적인 경험에서부터 비롯한 것으로 해석할 수 있었다. 과학 흥미 감소 및 과학 흥미 증진에 대한 방안은 개인, 가정, 학교, 교사, 지역사회, 국가의 범위로 구분하고 장단기적인 관점에 대해 논한 결과 과학 영역에 대한 다양한 탐구 활동과 경험, 과학과 관련된 활동의 참여, 학생 중심 수업, 교사 전문성 계발에서부터 시작하여 초등학생과 교사를 위한 지원, 정책 등 다차원적인 접근이 이루어졌다. 다층화된 접근과 노력은 과학에 대한 개인의 긍정적인 피드백 및 과학과 관련된 경험의 장을 열어주기 위한 노력의 일환으로 해석할 수 있었다. 마지막으로 과학 흥미가 감소하는 현 상황과 학생들의 과학 흥미 증진을 위해 초등 예비교사 입장에서 준비해야 하는 역량에 관해서는 교과 수업에 대한 전문성 향상을 목표로 하는 다원화된 활동으로써 명시적이자 암묵적으로 논할 수 있었다. 이 연구는 초등 예비교사들을 대상으로 과학 흥미라는 주제에 대한 개념적인 특성, 과학 흥미 변화에 대한 교육 맥락적인 양상, 과학 흥미에 대해 필요로 하는 교육 사항에 대해 탐색함으로써 과학 흥미가 감소하는 현 상황에 대한 기초연구 자료로서 학술적인 의의가 있을 것이라 기대하는 바이다.

Keywords

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