Author(s):
Editorial Board.
Page No : 1-2
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COVER
Abstract
Cover page, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2009, GU/NSE
Author(s):
Editorial Board.
Page No : 3-3
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CONTENTS
Abstract
Contents, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2009, GU/NSE
Author(s):
Vincentas Lamanauskas.
Page No : 4-7
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IMPORTANCE AND NECESSITY OF STRENGTHENING OF NATURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION IN A PRIMARY SCHOOL
Abstract
Natural science education (NSE) - one of the most actual fields of activity of a comprehensive school. One of most acute problems of today's education - low interest to natural sciences and especially to chemistry. This problem is actual not only in Lithuania, but also all over the world. Many researches of last years specify necessity of perfection of natural science education at all levels of an education system and especially at a level of a primary school.
Acquaintance to natural sciences in a primary school does not meet today's requirements. It is necessary to return teaching of natural sciences in primary schools. The main accent of process of natural science education in a primary school should become a different sort of researches and experiments. The teaching and learning process in primary school level should have strong focus on constructivist learning and the role of social interaction in learning. The teachers should be able to improve motivation for learning through enjoyment and giving children some control of their science activities.
The primary goal of natural sciences in an primary school is acquaintance of pupils to world around, for-mation of a complete picture of the world to all complex interrelations that further, in the basic school, to pass to studying separate subjects of a natural cycle (for example, chemistry, physics, biology).
One of many reasons of low interest to chemistry - insufficient attention to a component of chemistry in the content of a primary education. For the period of primary school pupils does not receive the basic initial knowledge in chemistry and research skills. On the other hand, teachers of primary classes are not prepared at a sufficient level in sphere of modern natural science education. We should help children learn more about the chemicals that surround them in their everyday life. Also we should to complete the design of equipment and supporting materials for chemistry at the primary school level.
It is obvious, that science remains abstract and alien to young students and they are not attracted to further study. We should try to change such a situation. First of all, a complete system for doing practical work from grade 1 to 4 in science must be carefully designed. Finally, we can note, that encouraging interest in the natural sciences is the priority of education (teaching and learning) process in primary school.
Author(s):
Jūratė Mocartienė, Rita Makarskaitė-Petkevičienė.
Page No : 8-18
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THE PROCESS OF NATURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION: THE ASPECT OF CONCEPTS INTERIORIZATION
Abstract
The article presents the results of the research in adoption of the content of the programme “Water” developed by the scientists from the University of Rostock. The sample of the research included school learners from the 2nd and 3rd forms. The data of three testings were analysed and the evaluated change in the school learners’ knowledge development proved that application of the methodology of the programme “Water” significantly improved the respondents’ knowledge of water, its structure, states, the water cycle, the mechanism of water treatment and self-cleaning. This knowledge includes and expands not only learning about the environment, but also develops school learners’ ecological attitude to nature and natural resources. However, only well-established long-term knowledge (which is the focus of the programme under discussion) will ensure the application of this knowledge in the further process of natural science education.
The article also presents the analysis of school learners’ reflections on learning, which shows that the respondents, involved in the investigation of the discussed object (i.e. water in this case) demonstrated a better acquisition of the presented material since visual aids, motivation and active involvement of learners are as relevant as the presented information itself.
The conducted research allowed to evaluate the role of the programme “Water” in long-term knowledge adoption, that is, learning and internalisation of concepts. The change in test results showed that information provided together with the concepts daily used by children, which gradually are changed into scientific ones, has a positive effect on formation of concepts of natural science education, their understanding and learning.
Author(s):
Vincentas Lamanauskas, Dalia Augienė.
Page No : 19-27
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DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ACTIVITY IN COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL: SOME THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS
Abstract
The formation of scientific research activity abilities in comprehensive school is undoubtedly, a very important sphere still awaiting of particular attention. Current teaching and learning process has basically changed looking from the paradigmatic point of view. Teaching subjects become the means of realization of learners’ demands and interests. Scientific research activity is not an entertainment, but a very responsible, thorough work requiring great self-independence. During this activity children’s analytic thinking becomes stronger, information search and usage abilities are being developed, they can learn to analyze the accumulated material, make presentations, prepare research reports and so on. By doing scientific research, learners approach new knowledge and new methods to solve problems of daily life. The main question is how to combine scientific research and science education. First of all we should elaborate specific policies how to encourage our learners to do scientific research. According to E.Šapokienė (1994), exploration is „a form of the organization of the educational process, when pupils become familiar with the basic methods of research, learn easily comprehensible elements of research methodology, obtain knowledge and skills to individually investigate phenomena of natural and environmental life“. This is also very important from political point of view. After qualitative analysis of the scientific information sources it is possible to separate some categories of importance of the scientific research activity of learners, for example, careers counselling, development of cognitive abilities and skills, formation of values system, development of intelligence, creativity etc.
Scientific research activity in comprehensive school is undoubtedly a meaningful, integral sphere, however, for developing such kind of activity in Lithuanian comprehensive schools not an adequate attention was paid up to now. Insufficient attention devoted to scientific research activities is one of the reasons why the classes of ‘Science’ are not popular among students in different countries. We can safely assert that especially in primary school practically not an appropriate attention is paid to formation of scientific-research abilities. It is obvious, that modern teaching process is not favorable orientating pupils for scientist (researcher) career. In the given article the basic documents regulating education in Lithuania are analysed. The conclusion is drawn that the attention to scientific research activity of students is given ever less attention.
Author(s):
Laimutė Salickaitė-Bunikienė, Rita Račiulaitytė, Andrej Rožkov, Aušra Gaidamavičienė.
Page No : 28-32
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THE SPREAD OF VIRTUAL EDUCATION CONTENTS UPDATING IN INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC-PRACTICAL CONFERENCE “MuseumScouts – Transforming Learning – Teachers developing innovative practice using interactive technologies and teamwork”
Abstract
The objective of International Scientific-Practical Conference „MuseumScouts“ – Transforming Learning – Teachers developing innovative practice using interactive technologies and teamwork“ was promote dialogue between cultures and modern methods of students' education, bringing together people interested in information technology application in education, to examine the humanitarian and natural education topics, share experiences and disseminate it. As well as to stimulate the development of education process, pupil self-teaching and search of new effective teaching methods. This conference was a great opportunity to share the lessons of the creation of interactive experiences.
The conference deals with the contemporary problems of teachers. These are the quality of humanitarian and natural education, relations of people and the different cultures as both formal and in-formal education object, information technology application in formal and non-formal education. In this international conference the representatives of schools participating in the Museum Scouts project (CBT + L Computer Based Training + Learning GmbH (Herrshing, Germany), the Institut fuer independent Environment (Berlin, Germany), Pedagogische Hochschule des Bundes (Linz, Austria), blended learning Network ( Ponte de Lima, Portugal), The Hermatige Technical College (Durham, the UK), Graduate School of Education of the University of Bristol (the UK), Lithuania schools of general education) will share their experiences. Conference meetings was of mutual cooperation, training and learning, based on modern information technology application in education. CBT + L Computer Based Training + Learning GmbH (Herrshing, Germany) program EVOLUTION in frames of the project was dedicated to secondary school teachers of all subjects, looking for new approaches and seeing interesting things integrity of its relationship with different direction and content of museums.
Most of the lessons have been created by using the information on the great cultural arts, cultural and scientific values stored in various museums. These values are important not only for human spiritual development, but, as experience shows, can be limitless, training promoting, raising the appropriate contents source of knowledge.
The relationship that can be easily found between educational content and museums of arts, nature, and technology creates the preconditions of interesting, new content subjects with content meeting the educational process requirements. Clearly visible and foster is close cooperation between several subjects and the cooperation of teachers, because well-designed training materials for use in lessons or extra-curricular activities help to properly shape worldview and values. It is very important to expanding knowledge society with the capability to use all modern information technologies and their opportunities and self-learning, not only now but also throughout life.
Author(s):
Laisvūnė Daukšaitė.
Page No : 33-37
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ELEMENTS OF NATURAL SCIENCE IN THE COURSE OF EDUCATIONAL TRIPS ARE THE BASICS OF NATURAL SCIENCE QUALITY IN PRIMARY EDUCATION
Abstract
The issue covers the importance of modern forms of education, especially regarding natural science. Thus one of the most available forms of education, educational trips, is analysed. In the course of those trips pupils ought to be provided with preconsidered natural science exercises, which serve the purpose to better understand the topic and also help to invest their own knowledge and skills, as well as skills of communication and motivation.
The relevant changes in politics, economics and social status of the state have brought the need to reconsider the process of education as well as the means of organizing such process.
Careful analysis brings the attention of the researcher to: the choice of the forms and methods of education, forms of pupil-teacher communication, peculiarities of pupils‘ communication and cooperation.
To conclude the facts and premises of the given issue, the following insights can be made:
Educational trips serve as a modern form of education. They immerse pupils into activity and help them socialize.
Elements of natural science used in the course of such trips help to deepen the theoretical knowledge and skills and also stress the human-environment relation.
When used systematically, elements of natural science strengthen pupils‘ motivation and will to learn.
Author(s):
Danutė Plytnykienė, Ramunė Vėželytė.
Page No : 38-42
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ASPECTS OF NATURALISTICAL TRAINING REFLECTED IN THE SYSTEM OF FORMAL EDUCATION
Abstract
Pre-school institution is the first stage of formal education system in the Republic of Lithuania. Each institution creates its own particular education system, coordinates methods, raises tasks corresponding to the requirements of children, family, closest natural environment and society.
The report provides a naturalistical training model reflecting the nature study in various systems of education and in formation of cultural values. The report also underlines the fragment of training contents reflecting the particularity of institution’s programme and the integrity of naturalistical training.
According to the analysed attitude of values the natural world is conceived as undivided and integral. Cultural values are engrained in children’s senses on the basis of naturalistical training. This capacitates children to become mature personalities, thus being able to apply acquired knowledge and competences, to solve problems of every-day life, to cultivate self-confidence, to feel responsibility and to be able to adjust to the changeable environment.
Author(s):
Sigita Švedienė, Tatjana Ališauskienė.
Page No : 43-46
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SOME ASPECTS OF TEACHING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SUBJECTS IN VILNIUS COLLEGE
Abstract
The lecturers of Vilnius College present their experience of teaching environmental protection subjects. The authors discuss learning and teaching methods (contact lectures, laboratory work in groups and seminar presentations) of the natural objects testing, laboratory samples preparation, the modern instrumental methods and techniques (spectroscopy and chromatography) of chemical analysis. During the visits to various companies, the students and accompanying teachers have the possibility to get acquainted with the practical methods already in use in the industrial and research (GLP) laboratories. Socrates /Erasmus Intensive programme „Validation of Instruments and methods“ (IP VALIM) is a part of studies in Vilnius College. Bachelor students introduced into the field of methods’ validation, gave opportunity to work in multicultural groups. Teachers have possibility to exchange experiences and thought with each other during the intensive programme, to maintain and develop the co-operation and network between teachers of the partner institutions.
Author(s):
Alexander E. Sobolev, Vladimir I. Lutsik, Tatyana N. Mukhina, Tatyana A. Gorbunova.
Page No : 47-54
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INTEGRATION OF NATURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION AT THE SYSTEM “SEC-ONDARY SCHOOL – HIGH EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT”
Abstract
In this article, the experience of the creation and examination of the continuous natural science educational system “secondary school – high educational establishment” at the Tver State Technical University and the municipal educational establishment “Secondary school No. 45 of Tver” was discussed. The basic forms of such collaboration were considered, and its concrete examples were given. It is shown that the correct organization of the integration process promotes improvement of the quality of education and the perfection of the educational and scientific processes both at the school and in the university.
An approbation of the idea of development of the senior profile school as one of the segments of the regional scientifically-educational complex and its transformation into the professional senior school was put in the basis of the system of continuous natural science education. Sharing of the material resources of school and university has brought the essential contribution to the development of the educational process, has enriched it with the variety of new possibilities. In particular, the integrated approach to the application of modern software and hardware has allowed creating the uniform multimedia lecture & laboratory complex using the majority of modern educational technologies.
The successful example of the integration of natural science education in the system “secondary school – university” was realization of the joint project of Tver State Technical University and secondary school no. 45. This project was devoted to the working out and application of new educational technologies and models of continuous natural science education on the basis of use of the modern educational equipment for studying of nanotechnology and nanomaterials (in addition to the existing sections of the school program on physics, chemistry and biology). Being unique in Tver region, this laboratory is working now both for schoolboys and for students. It is found that performance of this project not only promoted the equipment development of the educational process but also has led to the essential updating and perfection of its methodical part and content.
Author(s):
Irena Čerčikienė, Jolanta Jurkevičiūtė, Dalė Židonytė.
Page No : 55-60
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MODERNIZATION OF EQUIPMENT IN CHEMICAL LABORATORY OF VILNIUS COLLEGE
Abstract
The authors share the experience of creating a modern chemical laboratory. Production of modern laboratory equipment is developing in the direction of implementing measurement decrease, measurement precision and microprocessor control of instruments. In the faculty of Agro technologies Vilnius College has equipped a modern chemical laboratory with up-to-date central tables, affinity cabinets of new con-struction, vibration-proof tables, analytical balance, central ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Automatic Titrators „METTLER TOLEDO“ are used for classic volume analysis method – titration. „Thermo Spectronic“, spectrophotometer „Genesys”20 UV-VIS“, AAS model „Buck Scientific 210 VGP“ and spectrometer „Varian 640–IR“ are used to determine the molecular composition of a wide range of organic and inorganic materials (testing water, food products, soil and sewage).
The authors of the article express special thanks to the administration of Vilnius College and social partner – Company “Fermentas” for help and support. This modern laboratory provides students of chemical biotechnological analysis with the opportunity to gain practical skills, which will make them sough-after on the labour market and which are essential for their career.
Author(s):
Elena Vasilevskaya.
Page No : 61-64
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LEARNING THROUGH RESEARCH – THE LEADING PRINCIPLE OF TRAINING SPECIALISTS
Abstract
Our interlocutor is Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Academician of the International Academy of Sciences of the Higher School (Russia), Head of the Department of General Chemistry and Methods of Teaching Chemistry of the Belarusian State University, Professor Anatoly Ivanovich Lesnikovich.
Author(s):
Editorial Board.
Page No : 66-68
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END
Abstract
End page, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2009, GU/NSE