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Science Learning and Epistemology

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Second International Handbook of Science Education

Part of the book series: Springer International Handbooks of Education ((SIHE,volume 24))

Abstract

Learning theories presuppose views about knowledge. Different learning theories in science rely on, and draw from, various epistemological perspectives. In this chapter, we will examine the relationship between learning and epistemology in science education. We consider the ways that history, philosophy, and sociology of science have informed learning theory (disciplinary perspective), ways that students’ personal epistemologies influence learning (personal ways of knowing), and emerging studies of practical epistemologies that consider ways that disciplinary practices are enacted interactionally in learning contexts (social practices perspective). We consider how conceptions of knowledge are operationalized in science learning research across these perspectives and draw implications for research in science education.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Richard Duschl and Karim Hamza for their helpful comments and suggestions on an earlier version of this chapter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA

    Gregory J. Kelly & Scott McDonald

  2. Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden

    Per-Olof Wickman

Authors
  1. Gregory J. Kelly
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  2. Scott McDonald
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  3. Per-Olof Wickman
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gregory J. Kelly .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Science & Mathematics Education Centre, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, West Australia, Australia

    Barry J. Fraser

  2. The Graduate Centre, City University of New York, New York, 10016-4309, New York, USA

    Kenneth Tobin

  3. Ctr. Mathematics & Science Education, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Rd., Kelvin Grove, 4059, Queensland, Australia

    Campbell J. McRobbie

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Kelly, G.J., McDonald, S., Wickman, PO. (2012). Science Learning and Epistemology. In: Fraser, B., Tobin, K., McRobbie, C. (eds) Second International Handbook of Science Education. Springer International Handbooks of Education, vol 24. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9041-7_20

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