Activity Theory In Formal And Informal Science Education

The purpose of this book is to establish a broader context for rethinking science learning and teaching by using cultural historical activity theoretic approach. Activity theory already steps in its third generation and only a few works have been done on its applications to science education, especially in Europe. The context takes into account more recent developments in activity theory applications in US, Canada, Australia and Europe. The chapters articulate new ways of thinking about learning and teaching science i.e., new theoretical perspectives and some case studies of teaching important scientific topics in/for compulsory education. The ultimate purpose of each chapter and the collective book as a whole is to prepare the ground upon which a new pedagogy in science education can be emerged to provide more encompassing theoretical frameworks that allow us to capture the complexity of science learning and teaching as it occurs in and out-of schools. The book captures the dialogic and interactive nature of the transferring the activity theory to both formal and informal science education. It also contributes to the development of innovative curricula, school science textbooks, educational programs and ICT’s materials. As a whole, the book moves theorizing and practicing of science education into new face and uncharted terrain. It is recommended to new scholars and researchers as well as teachers/researchers.

This book is a contribution to the sociocultural approaches to Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education. It offers a new interpreting theoretical framework coming from the Cultural Historical Psychology. The authors highlight some serious elements of the sociocultural context that mediates learning on STEM or with STEM adds. The book brings together the work of researchers interested in developmental psychology and childhood, with a special focus on using Activity theory and Cultural-historical research approach to unite these two opposing approaches to the study of children. The authors reconsider our relationship and experiencing with technology. It moves the attention from the pure instrumental aspect of technology to a deep human and societal approach. Moreover, the book focuses on the issue of teachers' continuing education in both formal and informal settings is being seen under a sequential system of expansive cycles and the key role of contradictions in transformative educational settings. Overall, this book encourages the academic society to open dialogue with other societies and enhance interdisciplinary research in times of crisis.

Science learning that takes place between and at the intersections of formal and informal science environments has not been systematically reviewed to offer a comprehensive understanding of the existing knowledge base. Bringing together theory and research, this volume describes the various ways in which learning science in various settings has been conceptualized as well as empirical evidence to illustrate how science learning in these settings can be supported.

This edited volume brings forth intriguing, novel and innovative research in the field of science education. The chapters in the book deal with a wide variety of topics and research approaches, conducted in various contexts and settings, all adding a strong contribution to knowledge on science teaching and learning. The book is comprised of selected high-quality studies that were presented at the 11th European Science Education Research Association (ESERA) Conference, held in Helsinki, Finland from 31 August to 4 September, 2015. The ESERA science education research community consists of professionals with diverse disciplinary backgrounds from natural sciences to social sciences. This diversity provides a rich understanding of cognitive and affective aspects of science teaching and learning in this volume. The studies in this book will invoke discussion and ignite further interest in finding new ways of doing and researching science education for the future and looking fo r international partners for both science education and science education research. The twenty-five chapters showcase current orientations of research in science education and are of interest to science teachers, teacher educators and science education researchers around the world with a commitment to evidence-based and forward-looking science teaching and learning.

Science learning that takes place between and at the intersections of formal and informal science environments has not been systematically reviewed to offer a comprehensive understanding of the existing knowledge base. Bringing together theory and research, this volume describes the various ways in which learning science in various settings has been conceptualized as well as empirical evidence to illustrate how science learning in these settings can be supported.

This book offers an insight into the research and practices of science teaching and learning in the Singapore classroom, with particular attention paid to how they map on to science as inquiry. It provides a spectrum of Singapore’s science educational practices through all levels of its education system, detailing both successes and shortcomings. The book features a collection of research and discourse by science educators in Singapore, organized around four themes that are essential components of approaching science as inquiry: teachers’ ideas and their practices, opportunities and constraints from a systemic level, students’ competencies and readiness to learn through inquiry and the need for greater awareness of the role of informal learning avenues in science education. In addition, the discourse within each theme is enriched by commentary from a leading international academic, which helps to consolidate ideas as well as position the issues within a wider theoretical and international context. Overall, the papers set out important contexts for readers to understand the current state of science education in Singapore. They also highlight strengths and gaps in practices of science as inquiry as well as provide suggestions about how the system can be improved. These research findings are therefore helpful as they provide honest and evidence-based feedback as well as tangible and doable ideas that policy makers, teachers, students and school administrators can adopt, adapt and enhance.

Our current society faces enormous environmental challenges. Now is the time to stand up for a sustainable future. This request for action also concerns our STEM education community to take the transformational potential of teaching and learning. Teachers are decisive factors in ensuring the achievement of creative and sustainable learning outcomes in mathematics and science education, in fostering young peoples’ competences and empowering them to become responsible and active citizens. We need to share good practices, research results and innovative classroom materials that allow for implementing approaches that support the implementation and scaling up of education for sustainability. Educating the Educators (ETE) is an international conference series on professional development in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education that brings together teacher educators, policy makers, teachers and various other stakeholders related to STEM education. The fourth edition of the ETE conference series was hosted by Utrecht University, ICSE and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands, in collaboration with the MOST project. ETE IV focused on implementing and scaling up innovative teaching approaches in STEM education with an emphasis on open schooling for sustainability education. The aim was to discuss different ways of working, the roles of teaching materials, and structures needed for innovations in STEM education. ETE IV featured both traditional and innovative formats to benefit of a diverse circle of participants from research, practice and policy. Vivid exchange and collaborative work were ensured through spaces for co-creation. This volume reflects the main topics of discussion and the participants’ conference experiences.

This book offers a multifaceted approach to education in the 21st century. It focuses not only on the problems schools have to face nowadays, but also on the numerous challenges that emerge and can be used as opportunities for reflection and renewal in education. The aim of the book is to holistically approach educational reality as shaped by the latest social, political and economic developments. The ultimate goal is not limited to a description of the current situation. Given its range and topicality, this book expands the discussion and examines the role of education in modern society, highlights the challenges and prospects for the schools of the future, enriches the relevant research, provides documented data for action planning in terms of educational policies, and presents examples of good educational practices which will be useful to teachers and everyone who works in education.