Author(s):
Editorial Board.
Page No : 1-2
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COVER
Abstract
Cover, Vol. 4, No. 1, 2007, GU/NSE
Author(s):
Editorial Board.
Page No : 3-3
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CONTENTS
Abstract
Contents, Vol. 4, No. 1, 2007, GU/NSE
Author(s):
Vincentas Lamanauskas.
Page No : 4-4
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THE IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE EDUCATION – REAL OR IMAGINED?
Abstract
The first issue of this year's journal "Gamtamokslinis ugdymas" is before your eyes. It is gratifying that with the appearance of each issue, the number of readers increases. This really testifies to a kind of science education movement. Not so long ago, on April 20–21, the 13th National Scientific-Practical Conference “Natural Science Education in a General Education School” took place in Kaunas. During the conference, ideas, opinions, experiences and contacts were exchanged. Most importantly, those interested in science education have the opportunity to communicate, pass on their experience to others and learn from others. We hope that this journal will find its place and continue the analysis of NSE problems discussed at the conference.
Author(s):
Vincentas Lamanauskas, Margarita Vilkonienė, Rytis Vilkonis.
Page No : 5-13
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NATURAL SCIENCE LITERACY OF THE WOULD-BE TEACHERS: THE ANALYSIS OF UNDERSTANDING OF SOME NATURAL PHENOMENA
Abstract
Many researches of last years specify necessity of perfection of natural science education at all levels of an education system. For more than the last two decades, Western countries have tried to advance teaching techniques of natural sciences and suggest using a constructive system instead of didactical one (Zoller, Tsaparlis, 1997). However, in general, there is little research on the secondary school learners’, university students` would-be teachers achievements, motivation for learning chemistry/physics and the peculiarities of concept and phenomenon perception. The object of research is the university students would-be teachers ability to perceive physical/chemical phenomena.
This pilot research focuses on how students would-be teachers understand such everyday phenomena as the impact of temperature on the flow of particles (diffusion), evaporation and condensation, material solution, combustion, air expansion and reduction caused by the fluctuation in temperature conditions.
Research was carried out in February-March, 2007. The students would-be teachers of Siauliai university participated in the survey. Concerning the format of the pilot research, the survey sample was limited. 87 students representing Faculty of Education were involved in research. Such sample complies with capacity requirements for the pilot research. The five tasks (phenomena: diffusion, air expansion and reduction, combustion, evaporation and condensation, solution) have been evaluated applying the proportion scale (no comments made - 0 points, a wrong option is chosen – 0.25 points, the phenomenon is perceived but failed to be fully explained – 0.5 points, the task is almost correctly completed – 0.75 points, the task is successfully accomplished – 1 point). Three experts have individually evaluated the tasks by general agreement. We can state that a total general evaluation of the accomplishment of all tasks correlates with an individual task. The high correlation coefficients show that all the tasks are basically of a similar complexity and none of them can be singled out from the whole system of 5 tasks. Research is of a local character and the reached conclusions are not applied for the whole population.
The examination and evaluation of the respondents’ results disclosed that the tasks were rather complicated and the surveyed participants' knowledge was insufficient to explain the introduced phenomena. The most unfavourable comments are made interpreting nature phenomenon 4, which is the air qualities. The respondents have failed to explain why the heated air expands and the iced air – reduces. The best results are obtained describing situation 2 which is the evaporation of heated water and condensation of cooled water vapour.
Author(s):
Margarita Vilkonienė .
Page No : 14-23
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THE EXPRESSION OF THE PHILOSOPHICAL IDEAS IN NATURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS
Abstract
Natural Science education is becoming one of the most important branches of the educational content in Lithuanian Comprehensive School , whereas the content of these disciplines has special importance for the development of the informational society and for the rise and nurturance of the scientific potential. It, surely, gives possibilities for students to develop their self-expression and forms positive interaction relations with nature.
If we want to make Natural Science the underlying aspect of the education, it is necessary to have a few fundamental ideas helping achieve the aims. The weak fundamental principles and ideas in the educational system become situations when todays education doesn‘t supply demands of the modern life.
The aim of this research is to describe the expression of the philosophical ideas in todays and future practise of Natural Science education. The research was done applying the analysis of the educational documents and the resourses of scientific information as well as comparative analysis and systematic analysis.
The research showed that in the different educational stages not many topics related with the philosophical aspects of person‘s life are regulated, though at the primary educational stages (because of the subject integration) conditions are quite favourable. In the upper grades when resumptive courses of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geography are taught there is not much space for the philosophical aspects left . At this stage subjects are hardly realised as the integrated parts of the undivided holistic world. Such situation becomes a setback trying to educate qualitatively. That‘s why the reach to re-create united and systematic attitude to the World, to the Human in the world and to the human‘s life in the modern world becomes particularly relevant. Today the close relation between pedagogics and philosophy becomes a necessity.
Discussing the Natural Sciences Education prospects, achieving sufficient natural science literacy, it‘s worth regarding to the requirements of the Natural Sciences programs and education standards and to use these philosophical trends in which the objects of interest are in some ways related with communication and information technologies: postmodernism, hermeneutics, constructionism and reconstructionism.
Author(s):
Irena Čerčikienė, Sigita Švedienė.
Page No : 24-28
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THE SPECIALLITIES IN THE ORGANIZING OF THE NATURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE COLLEGE
Abstract
The education program "The technology of the chemical analysis" of the Chemistry department of Vilnius' College is described in this article. This program includes such modules of the natural sciences: The Security of the Environment, The Analysis of the Environmental Objects, The Analytical Control of the Green and Processed Products, The Technology of the Preparation of the Samples. The authors share their experience in the organizing of the natural science and the environmental investigation subjects studies. They accent the problem, which takes part in the most high schools of Lithuania - the shortage of the powerful experimental base. The authors are looking for the solutions of this problem. One of them - to organize the profession practices on the bases of the Social Partners of the College. The fragment of one such practice "The Estimation of the Pollution of the Cedronas brook" takes part in this article.
Author(s):
Rita Nekrošienė.
Page No : 29-33
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FACILITY OF EDUCATION ACTIVITIES IN THE BOTANICAL GARDENS AND PARKS: EXPERIENCE OF SOUTH GERMANY
Abstract
Some facilities of education activities in south Germany botanical gardens and parks are presented in this article. Research was carried out in Munchen-Nymphenburg, Alpengarten Schachen and Augsburg botanical gardens, Munchen zoological garden, Munchen city parks (in the Museum of Man and Nature). The role of botanic gardens is as an advocate for the maintenance of biodiversity and therefore botanic gardens need to reorient their education programmes and incorporate a vision for a more socially and environmentally sustainable future. Botanic and zoo gardens can use a variety of techniques to convey these messages from guided tours, cultural activities and exhibitions to interpret signs and media such as the internet, radio, television and newspapers. Botanic gardens should develop and promote these institutions as centers for environmental education to schools and develop child-friendly policies and train staff in these policies, conduct regular audits to ensure that the gardens is 'child friendly' e. g. access points, eating areas, storage areas, activity/play areas.
The subject areas covered by the Museum of Man and Nature are: the history of the earth and its forms of life, biodiversity, man’s place within the natural world, man’s role in shaping the natural world. The Museum presents an interesting and entertaining approach to natural science, in line with modern educational theory. Authentic natural objects, reproductions, models, interactive exhibits and audio-visual programs are employed to create a lively and stimulating setting. The section “Natural history playtime” successfully combines traditional and modern exhibits and appeals to young and old alike. Attractive exhibits and a convenient location make the Museum of Man and Nature a worthwhile destination for visitors of all ages. The official educational mission of this Museum “… to instruct and inform humans about themselves, their environment and about the threats to nature posed by technical civilization”.
Author(s):
Laima Railienė.
Page No : 34-39
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EVALUATION OF KNOWLEDGE OF STUDENTS ON GEOGRAPHY: PRINCIPLES, FORMS, A TECHNIQUE
Abstract
According scientists, assessment is tightly connecting teachers, students, parents, school administration. Teacher’s (assessor’s) role is becoming especially important because school reform has changed attitude towards assessment and has created favourable conditions for new ways of assessment. Assessment can show student’s achievement qualitative and quantitative value.
Students’ knowledge assessment shows what is known well or weak. Knowledge testing and assessing have a positive result when it is being checked systematically. But it is not good to assess only acquired knowledge. It is very important to make knowledge system, to deepen, to activate students. It is also important to find out how students use theory in practice.
If you want to assess correctly, you need to know the forms and kinds of assessment.
It is very important not to forget that students must know what they are to remember, because it is impossible to memorize everything.
All students want to get good marks. There are several reasons why students react sensitively. From marks parents judge about their child’s abilities and even future profession. On the one hand knowledge assessment gives positive emotions, on the other hand, it gives negative ones. Thus, teachers have to be very careful while checking and assessing. Students themselves need to be assessed, because they can’t know if they study well.
Geography teacher has got very wide possibilities to check students’ knowledge and skill. But the most important thing is that students’ knowledge become deeper and stronger if they are checked up systematically and interestingly.
Author(s):
Laimutė Salickaitė-Bunikienė, Irena Stankevičienė, Erika Pudžiuvelytė.
Page No : 40-45
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THE IMPORTANCE AND EXPERIENCE OF ADDITIONAL CHEMISTRY TEACHING (LEARNING)
Abstract
In this article the relationship between formal and informal teaching of students is investigated in brief. The activities of an informal teaching institution, the correspondence school for young chemists „Pažinimas“ are described. Students study in this school in sessions for two years. Study camps are organized in the summer, and important environmental topics are included: permanent effects of chemical and thermic pollution on the ecosystems of lakes, genomic research, genetically modified organisms and food products, the diversity of fauna and problems created by people, radioactivity and the surroundings, the problems posed by Ignalina NS region's radioactive pollution etc.
Author(s):
Arnis Voitkans.
Page No : 46-52
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USE OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY „PHYSLETS“ IN PHYSICS EDUCATION
Abstract
Use of ICT can provide many opportunities for physics education, and one of these opportunities is a use of physics simulations. Physicists professionals use complex simulations to solve real world problems, but for educational use simulations/animations not always have to be so complex. More lightweight simulations and animations can be used. Such simulations usually are more easily distributable through the Internet. Simulations and animations are important in physics education because they can help to visualize different physical processes and to provide some interactivity.
This paper is focusing on a use of Physlets – small portable Java Applets, which can be used to simulate and animate different physical phenomena. The purpose of this paper is to give a brief overview of Physlets and to demonstrate in few examples the possibilities of adaption and customization of Physlets in the learning material.
Author(s):
Vincentas Lamanauskas.
Page No : 53-58
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THE CHILD IN THE ENVIRONMENT: NEW PEDAGOGICAL GUIDELINES AND APPROACHES
Abstract
This article is the review of the scientific monograph entitled "Pedagogical orientation of younger school children in an environment: methodological outlines" (author – dr. Eleonora Melnik). The book consists of four chapters. In the first chapter philosophical aspects of mutual relations of the human with an environment are analysed. The system approach to understanding of the development of attitudes of the human with an environment is opened. In the second chapter of the book the interdisciplinary aspect of a problem of mutual relations of the human with an environment is analysed. In the third chapter psychological and pedagogical aspects of understanding of attitudes of the human with an environment are analysed. Composition and structure of an environment of the modern human being is presented in the fourth chapter. It is emphasized, that it is very important to create the new teaching materials developed on the basis of the author's theory of mutual relations of children with an environment. The methodological basis of construction of the pedagogical orientation of children in an environment are the leading positions of philosophy based on the dialectic unity of the human and the nature.
The fourth chapter of the monograph is devoted to an environment as the scientific and pedagogical phenomenon. Here the analysis of definitions of an environment in modern sciences is very valuable, author's interpretation of different concepts is given.
Despite of some critical remarks - the monograph is unequivocally useful to readers. Is worthy also that fact, that the author in every possible way aspires to embody the ideas in a school practice.
Author(s):
Editorial Board.
Page No : 61-61
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END
Abstract
End page, Vol. 4, No.1, 2007, GU/NSE