• Journal of Science Education
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.382-404
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• 2017

This study aims to explore a learning progression for eight core concepts of middle school science using constructed response items in the national assessment of educational achievement (NAEA). For this purpose, a total of 7,390 responses of the 9th graders on 8 constructed response items in NAEA conducted in 2015 were inputted by computer and the inputted answers were analyzed and classified into different levels. After completing this process, five levels were set for each construct and a construct map was created according to the levels. In this study, the construct map was written in a progression-based rubric format, which was used as a criterion for leveling the answers of all students. In addition, the Rasch model was applied to measure the scores and achievements of the respondents by means of statistical analysis to correlate the scores of the students with the achievement levels of the constructs. Lastly, a preliminary learning progression was created by revising the construct map reflecting the results of Rasch model application. This study was meaningful in that it explored the possibility of developing the learning process by using constructed response items in NAEA. However, the preliminary learning progression developed in this study is still hypothetical and inferential because it is not longitudinally traced to individual students. Therefore, it is necessary to continually revise and supplement through iterative research process.

• Education of Primary School Mathematics
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.167-180
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• 2019

This study analyzed the effects of the educational contextual variables on fourth grade students' mathematics achievement in five East Asian countries(Singapore, Hong Kong Taiwan, Japan and Korea) using TIMSS 2015 data. There are four findings of this study. The first is that the common student-home-level variables that give significant influence on the mathematics achievement in all 5 countries are 'Home resources for learning' and 'Parents' educational expectations'. But 'Literacy and numeracy activities before entering a school' and 'Parents' attitude for mathematics and science' are not common variables. The second is that 'Students' interest in math learning' gave significant influence on the mathematics achievement of in all 5 countries. The third is that 'Teaching limited by student needs' does not give significant influence on the math achievement in Korea, Taiwan, and Japan but in Singapore and Hong Kong. The fourth is that 'Student economic background' gave more significant influence in Korea, Taiwan, and Japan than Singapore and Hong Kong. Suggestions to improve elementary school mathematics teaching and learning are discussed in the conclusion.

• Journal of Science Education
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.343-357
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• 2015

The present study aims to analyze the extent of the use of STS contents in the areas of 'Evolution of Life' and 'Health of Humanity and Scientific Technology' in 'Science' textbooks and to determine whether they meet the goals of the curriculum revised in 2009. The analysis of the 7 types of textbooks according to the STS topics areas indicated big differences between textbooks as little as 16.67% and as much as 58.33%. Also, among the topics associated with STS, 'Space Development and National Defense' and 'Environmental Problems' were not included. In the STS activity areas, the areas of 'Structured Debate,' 'Interpretation of Data,' 'Research and Investigation' showed great frequency. On the other hand, the STS activity areas of 'Field Activities,' 'Problem-solving and Decision-making,' 'Role Playing,' 'Simulation,' 'Case Study,' and 'Research Design' showed small frequency. Analysis of the STS contents for each area indicated 67.57% for the contents relevant to 'the applicability of science' accounting for the largest part whereas 'Understanding of Occupations related to Science' accounted for 1.63%, showing a great difference in their frequency. Seven standards except 'the applicability of science' were included each contents beyond 10% or less than 10% proportion. The STS contents included in the life science area of the 7 types of convergence-style 'Science' textbooks for the high-school accounted for an average of 20.75%, from as little as 12.35% to as much as 26.90%, depending on the publishes.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.521-531
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• 2023

In this study, we analyzed contextualized NOS lessons planned by preservice teachers from the perspectives of PCK. Eight preservice teachers who had completed all of the curriculum at the College of Education located in Seoul participated in the study. CoRe and teaching and learning guidance were collected. Interviews were also conducted. We used analytical induction to analyze the collected data. The analyses of the results revealed that the NOS learning goals selected by the preservice teachers were different depending on the context of the NOS lessons. In addition, the preservice teachers were unable to sufficiently explain the value of learning NOS. All of the preservice teachers were worried that their students would not understand NOS properly, and they faced various difficulties in dealing with NOS and science content. They thought that if their students conducted experiments, errors could cause problems for students learning NOS. Meanwhile, they guessed their students' preconceptions and misconceptions of NOS based on their experience. The preservice teachers also thought that their students' concept of science and cognitive development stage would affect their NOS learning. Although the preservice teachers used various strategies to teach NOS, NOS was often not explicitly addressed. Also, they were reluctant to evaluate NOS in lessons. Based on the above results, educational implications for preservice teacher education were proposed.

• Journal of the Korean BIBLIA Society for library and Information Science
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.295-319
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• 2016

This study was conducted to review the reading education and the required reading list for elementary school students which is being executed as part of China's language education. For this purpose, extracurricular reading list of language curriculum standard enacted in 2011 was investigated and required list for elementary school students recommend by China's Ministry of Education education in 2012 and 2015. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of extra curricular reading list and two types of required reading list recommended by the Ministry of Education. As a result of investigation on two types of lists of required reading, it was found out that there are lots of fairy tales and science book types by genre, lots of British book by nation, and as a result of comparison with extra curricular reading list, it was found out that there is higher rate of reflection of oversease books and Chinse authorsd, and that there were higher rate of reflection of contemporary literary works and science. Based on these findings, studies on Chinese authors, Chinese fairy tales, and contemporary literary works and studies and recommendations on various subjects were suggested.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Earth Science Education
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.27-39
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to develop a STEAM program for teaching climate change through CLAMP (Climate-Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program) paleoclimate inquiry in connection with high school 'Integrated Science' subject. In order to do so, we analyzed the 2015 revised national curriculum and science textbook in terms of the PDIE instructional design model, and developed the teaching-learning materials for 10 class hours through expert panel discussion and pilot test. According to the STEAM class procedure, in the situation presentation stage, the fossil leaves were collected from the dicotyledon plants near school, and the LMA (Leaf Margin Analysis) climate inquiry activity. was presented as the learning goal. During the creative design stage, students were taught about geology and leaf fossils in the study region, and CLAMP input data (31 characteristics of morphotype and leaf architectural of fossil leaves) were given. In the emotional experience and new challenge stage, we collected leaf fossils for outdoor learning, explored paleoclimate with CLAMP method, and promoted climatic literacy in the process of discussing tendencies and causes of Cenozoic's climate change. The validity of the development program was assessed (CVI .84) as being suitable for development purpose in all items through the process of establishing reliability among expert panel. In order to apply the program to the high school, a pilot test was conducted to supplement the discrepancies and to review the suitability. The satisfaction rate of the participants was 4.48, and the program was complemented with their opinions. This study will enable high school students to have practical knowledge and reacting volition for climate change, and contribute to fostering students' climate literacy.

• Journal of Science Education
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore learning progressions for global warming at middle school level. For this purpose, we conducted a construct modeling approach that specifies constructs, item designs, outcome spaces, and measurement model steps from April to October, 2021. In order to develop student assessment items, we analyzed the 2015 revised curriculum and textbooks of middle school and categorized a concept hierarchy for each construct to create a construct map. The assessment items were developed into multiple-choice, short answer, and essay questions according to the selected constructs to strengthen the linkage between the constructs and the items. Based on the three-step grading criteria for each item, an online assessment of 21 minor items developed for middle school students show that many students met 'high' level, but none met 'low' level. In this manner, the initial set lower anchor was reset to level 0, the original set upper anchor was lowered from level 4 to level 3, and the hypothetical learning progression for global warming was presented in the following order: phenomenal, conceptual, and mechanical understandings. The results of the research have raised implications for reorganizing the next science curriculum and improving the assessment system.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.629-648
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• 2015

This study is a case study examining how research-based 'authentic' science education program contextually facilitates students' learning on NOS as a process. We developed 'Becoming a Scientist' mentor-mentee program and applied it to six Korean 7th graders for 8 months. A mentor, who is also a researcher, provided scaffolding and coaching, and her mentees were to perform the whole process of science research, including selecting the research subject and questions, planning research design, doing experiments, collecting and analysing data, writing research paper, and experiencing poster presentation at an academic conference. The research questions are 1) What would the students experience at every step of their research process?, and 2) Which perceptions would they construct NOS as a process? Data include classroom observations, interview, mentor's journal, and students' learning products. The results show that the mentees have experienced their views of NOS as a process in various ways such as role of research question and purpose, validity of measured value, researcher's subjectivity in interpreting data, experience of making public and peer review, and significance of academic conference. This study has shown that students' actual experience in scientific research enhanced their views about NOS as process without explicit and reflective approaches. We defined 'authenticity' associated with not only with its similarity to what scientists do but to learner's identity as scientific researcher. Based on the situated learning theory, this study sheds light on the necessity of reconsideration about the meaning of authenticity and embodying authentic context in science education for better NOS learning.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.53-64
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• 2015

This research was performed of high school science classes. These science classes progressed by using Scratch, and surveyed students' perception after finishing each class. This research was conducted of male students who want to choose department of natural science in the next grade. Those classes are consisted of four classes. This study produced a journal, and contained expressions of their thinking and feeling based on experiences during attending classes and projects. Consequently, that journal was analyzed in view of understanding and perception of Scratch using science classes, and it was also included of utilizing Scratch program. Research shows following three conclusions. First, students preferred Scratch using class to general one. They attend more active with high interest, and they felt senses of accomplishment while they make output by themselves. Second, their studies passed through three stages. These are problem perception, problem solving, and producing. Problem solving stage is especially complicated and difficult stage to students. This stage is consisted of Scratch side and Science side. Scratch side has Design and applying process, and Science side has data gathering and analyzing. Students' comprehension of scientific knowledge is increased and is preserved long time through this stage. Last, students had a hard time using Scratch. Because, it is the first time to them to use that program. Therefore, we deemed that they needed to start this kind of experience at lower grade than they are now, such as middle school stage. It is expected that this type of classes are getting more expanded and more populated as a part of students' core ability.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.895-905
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• 2015

Citizens should be sensitive to the complex and controversial SSIs (Socioscientific Issues), be able to make a responsible decision with evidence and empathy, and furthermore take political action for the larger welfare. The premise of this research is that understanding the nature of science (NOS) takes an important role when students and adults participate in the discourse on SSIs because SSI reasoning requires individuals to examine information and counter-information with skepticism. We therefore designed SSI programs that were incorporated with NOS by adapting a contextualized-reflective approach. The leading research question was to what extent SSI contexts contributed to promoting students' understanding of NOS. A total of 71 11th grade students participated in this program. The school was located in an urban city near the capital city of Seoul, South Korea. We designed SSI programs to cover the issues of genetically modified organisms, climate change, and nuclear energy. Each issue required four to six class periods to complete. We conducted pre- and post-program tests using the revised VNOS-C, recorded group discussions or debates and collected student worksheets to observe the increase of student NOS understanding. As a result of this program, students showed moderate improvement in their understanding of NOS.