Abstract
This study investigated some of the aspects that characterise the understanding of the Nature of Science (NOS) and Nature of Technology (NOT) of 20 children and youths from different countries who perform scientific and technological activities in a non-formal teaching and learning setting. Data were collected using a questionnaire and semistructured interviews. A categorical instrument was developed to analyse the participants’ conceptions of the following subjects: (1) the role of the scientist, (2) NOS and (3) NOT. The results suggest that the participants had naïve conceptions of NOS that are marked by empirical and technical-instrumental views. They characterised NOT primarily as an instrumental apparatus, an application of knowledge and something important that is part of their lives. They exhibited a stereotypical understanding of the role of the scientist (development of methods, demonstration of facts, relationship with technological devices, etc.).
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Notes
Note that in this study, “conceptions”, “images” or “views” refer to perceptions, prototypes or typical examples of a certain entity or venture. In other words, “images of students” about scientific or technological environments reflect their perceptions of these places and likely affect their attitudes (Scherz and Oren 2006).
‘Programme Choices’ is funded by the Institute of Social Security, the General Secretary of Education of Portugal and the European Social Fund, through the Human Capital Operational Programme/National Strategic Reference Framework or HCOP/NSRF. This programme funds social inclusion projects for vulnerable communities, many of which are in areas with high concentrations of immigrant descendants and ethnic minority groups across Portugal (Available at: http://www.programaescolhas.pt/).
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Marcelo Lambach for his contributions to the writing of the manuscript, the anonymous reviewers for the careful observations they made to the previous versions of the manuscript and the "Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia - FCT" for funding the project.
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Appendices
Appendix A
Dear student,
The aim of this questionnaire is to identify your understanding of science education and the use you make of some technologies in your daily life.
We ask you to participate by responding this questionnaire. The data will be anonymous and confidential all along the process of analysis.
Understanding of science education
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1.
What is science to you? (You may write or draw).
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2.
What is the image you have of the scientist? (You may write or draw).
Understanding of the use of the computer and other digital technologies
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3.
What is technology to you? (You may write or draw)
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4.
Mark the technologies available at your home:
( ) Mobile phone ( ) Computer ( ) Internet ( ) TV ( ) Radio ( ) Stereo system ( ) Tablet | ( ) DVD player ( ) Educational DVDs ( ) Educational CD-ROMs ( ) Game console ( ) Digital games ( ) Landline ( ) Other: _____________________ |
In the table below, indicate the frequency of the activities you perform with the computer when connected to the Internet
No. | Activities with computer | Never | Seldom | Sometimes | Often | Always |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | I use the computer. | |||||
2 | I use the computer to do school assignments. | |||||
3 | I use the computer to learn other subjects unrelated to school. | |||||
4 | I use the computer to read about various subjects. | |||||
5 | I use the computer to play. | |||||
6 | I use the computer to send e-mails. | |||||
7 | I use the computer to chat with friends and relatives. | |||||
8 | I use the computer to install and uninstall software. | |||||
9 | I use the computer to listen to music online. | |||||
10 | I use the computed to download online music and audio files. | |||||
11 | I use the computer to watch videos online. | |||||
12 | I use the computer to download online videos. | |||||
13 | I use the computer to connect to social networks (e.g. Facebook). | |||||
14 | I use the computer to meet new people in chat rooms. | |||||
Do you perform other activities with the computer that were not listed? | ||||||
Thank you for your collaboration.
Appendix B
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1.
Doubts about the questionnaire.
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2.
About the school: (a) characterisation of classes, (b) experimentation, (c) use of science textbooks, (d) homework, (e) group activities.
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3.
About ICT: (a) primary ICT available at home, (b) use of mobile phone, (c) use of computers, (d) main computer resources accessed, (e) computers at school.
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Rocha Fernandes, G.W., Rodrigues, A.M. & Ferreira, C.A. Conceptions of the Nature of Science and Technology: a Study with Children and Youths in a Non-Formal Science and Technology Education Setting. Res Sci Educ 48, 1071–1106 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-016-9599-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-016-9599-6