Thu 18.09.2014 - 10:30-12:40 - Plečnik 2-3

PROFILES: a New Strategy for Motivating (Gifted) Students in the Science Classroom   Paper  Presentation

Presenter: Iztok Devetak
Author(s): Iztok Devetak, (Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia), Mojca Juriševič (Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia)

The main purpose of the Professional Reflection-Oriented Focus on Inquiry-based Learning and Education through Science approach (PROFILES) in science learning is to stimulate students’ interest in science learning by applying socio-scientific issues and Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) into inclusive teaching to develop scientifically literate citizens in the modern society. Namely, the research shows that the IBSE is effective with students of different ages and regardless the height of their learning abilities and gender differences. The focus of the research presented in this paper was therefore to explore the potential strengths of the PROFILES approach for gifted students in primary science classroom. Mixed method research design was used. Two forms of the questionnaire “The impact of PROFILES on learning science in school” were constructed and administered, one for teachers who practised PROFILES approach, and the other for students who went through PROFILES learning modules. Additionally, four interviews were conducted with teachers who implemented PROFILES approach in order to understand deeply the strengths of the PROFILES approach on gifted students learning science. Finally, PROFILES modules developed by teachers were analysed regarding activities that can be used in stimulating gifted students’ abilities in science. The results show that the PROFILES approach is beneficial for every student in the science classroom, but especially motivating for gifted students. The data obtained by the PROFILES modules analysis will also be presented and synthesised into the overall conclusions that may have an important message for the inclusive science education and will be discussed with other implications from the research in the paper presentation.

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