ERIC Number: EJ1462526
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1675-8110
EISSN: EISSN-2180-2483
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Exploring Science Teachers' Translation of Nature of Science (NOS) Knowledge to Pedagogical Content Knowledge (NOS PCK)
Jasmine Jain; Mok Shu Jin; Lee Yee Ling
Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, v22 n1 p200-215 2025
Purpose -- This study is part of a comprehensive investigation conducted in Malaysia, examining science teachers' understanding of the Nature of Science (NOS) and their ability to translate this knowledge into Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) for NOS. This paper specifically examines how teachers apply their NOS knowledge to develop NOS PCK in classroom settings. Methodology -- A qualitative approach was employed, involving observations of both practical and nonpractical lessons, as well as semi-structured interviews with five in-service science teachers from a school in Petaling Perdana, Selangor. The teachers were chosen based on their experience in teaching science and their understanding of NOS. Lesson observations were guided by a structured checklist, while thematic analysis was used to interpret interview data, providing insights into the rationale behind their teaching methods related to NOS PCK. Findings -- The study found that Malaysian in-service science teachers face significant challenges in translating their understanding of NOS into effective teaching practices. There is a noticeable gap between teachers' conceptual knowledge of NOS and their PCK implementation. Teachers frequently missed opportunities to integrate key NOS concepts into their lessons and often portrayed scientific methods as fixed procedures while presenting science as static knowledge. These practices reflect a limited understanding of NOS principles. Significance -- The findings underscore the urgent need for ongoing professional development to improve teachers' NOS knowledge and their ability to integrate it into their teaching. The science curriculum should include clear guidelines to support the incorporation of NOS concepts, ultimately fostering improved scientific literacy among students.
Descriptors: Scientific Principles, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Science Teachers, Science Instruction, Teacher Attitudes, Lesson Plans, Check Lists, Barriers, Theory Practice Relationship, Scientific Literacy, Foreign Countries
Universiti Utara Malaysia Press. UUM Press, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 08010 UUM Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia. Tel: +60-4-928-4816; Fax: +60-4-928-4792; e-mail: uumpress@uum.edu.my; Web site: https://e-journal.uum.edu.my/index.php/mjli
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Malaysia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A