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Performance of primary school pupils in science investigations
Author
Jasbir Singh
Supervisor
Toh, Kok Aun
Abstract
The study was prompted by the changing educational atmosphere in Singapore. With the increasing emphasis on the teaching of thinking skills and the need for alternative assessment modes, the study focused on the role of science education, particularly through science investigations, in achieving the desired outcomes of education. The study explored primary school pupils' abilities to carry out science investigations and aimed to highlight aspects of processes involved in investigations that our pupils are lacking so that future learning and teaching variables can be better arranged to facilitate learning and assessment.
A sample of 97 pupils from two neighbourhood schools was assessed to identify their existing conceptions and errors. Pupils were given three investigative tasks and a student self-reporting sheet (SRS) was designed for pupils to report on their findings. In addition, an attitude inventory and a paper-and-pencil assessment were administered to the study sample. For triangulation purposes, observation checklists as well as video recordings of pupils performing the investigations were used. The results of this study have surfaced a number of concerns with regard to our pupils' abilities in science investigations. The study suggests that although pupils are able to carry out science investigations to a certain extent, pupils' tend to adopt a novice approach to the use of basic scientific instruments and had difficulties interpreting the results of an investigation.
A sample of 97 pupils from two neighbourhood schools was assessed to identify their existing conceptions and errors. Pupils were given three investigative tasks and a student self-reporting sheet (SRS) was designed for pupils to report on their findings. In addition, an attitude inventory and a paper-and-pencil assessment were administered to the study sample. For triangulation purposes, observation checklists as well as video recordings of pupils performing the investigations were used. The results of this study have surfaced a number of concerns with regard to our pupils' abilities in science investigations. The study suggests that although pupils are able to carry out science investigations to a certain extent, pupils' tend to adopt a novice approach to the use of basic scientific instruments and had difficulties interpreting the results of an investigation.
Date Issued
1999
Call Number
Q183.4.S5 Jas
Date Submitted
1999