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Strategies for Learning Nature of Science Knowledge: A Perspective from Educational Psychology

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History, Philosophy and Science Teaching

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Abstract

Learning about the nature of science is a crucial part of being a scientifically literate citizen in the modern age. This paper examines parallels between nature of science instruction and the processes explained by self-regulated learning theory, with a particular emphasis on the extension of effective strategies for learners which can be enhanced by the use of self-regulated learning cycles in classrooms. Explicit and reflective approaches to teaching the nature of science are examined and analyzed in terms of self-regulated learning theory, demonstrating learning processes that are addressed and those that are ignored by current explicit and reflective approaches. Results from emerging research on the use of self-regulated learning to teach nature of science knowledge, inquiry, and science practices are discussed.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Hofer and Pintritch (2002), King and Kitchener (1994), Kuhn (1999), Tsai (2000).

  2. 2.

    Khishfe and Abd-El-Khalick (2002), Meichtry (1992), Sandoval and Morrison (2003).

  3. 3.

    Akerson and Volrich (2006), Bell et al. (2011), Khishfe (2012), McDonald (2010).

  4. 4.

    Abd-El-Khalick and Lederman (2000), Akerson and Hanuscin (2007), Hanuscin et al. (2006), Khishfe (2008), Scharmann et al. (2005), Schwartz et al. (2004).

  5. 5.

    Abd-El-Khalick (2005), Abd-El-Khalick and Akerson (2004), Abd-El-Khalick et al. (1998).

  6. 6.

    Abd-El-Khalick et al. (1998), Abd-El-Khalick and Akerson (2004), Akerson et al. (2000).

  7. 7.

    Cleary (2009), Cleary and Zimmerman (2006), Coalition for Psychology in Schools and Education (2006), Grigal et al. (2003), Wehmeyer et al. (2000).

  8. 8.

    Earley et al. (1990), Muis (2004), Shute (2008), Wood and Bandura (1989).

  9. 9.

    Akerson et al. (2000), Akerson and Volrich (2006), Akindehin (1988), Khishfe (2008, 2014), Khishfe and Abd-El-Khalick (2002).

  10. 10.

    Akerson and Volrich (2006), Bell et al. (2011), Khishfe (2012), Matthews (2014), McDonald (2010).

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Peters-Burton, E.E. (2018). Strategies for Learning Nature of Science Knowledge: A Perspective from Educational Psychology. In: Matthews, M. (eds) History, Philosophy and Science Teaching. Science: Philosophy, History and Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62616-1_6

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