Teachers' conceptions and misconceptions concerning three natural phenomena

• Published in: Journal of research in science teaching Vol. 41; no. 5; pp. 432 - 448
• Main Author: Kikas, Eve
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.05.2004; John Wiley & Sons, Inc; Wiley
• Subjects: Climate; Differences; Educational personnel; Educational sciences; Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education; Knowledge Level; Methods; Misconceptions; Preservice Teachers; Questionnaires; Science Instruction; Science Teachers; Scientific Concepts; Teachers; Concept; Teacher; Science; Basic Skills; Questionnaire; Teachers training
• ISSN: 0022-4308; 1098-2736
• DOI: 10.1002/tea.20012

This study focuses on the conceptions of trainee, primary, and subject teachers about three phenomena: the motion of objects, seasonal changes, and aggregate changes of matter. A total of 198 participants completed a questionnaire concerning two types of tasks. First, teachers evaluated the adequacy of a given explanation as compared to their knowledge of the contemporary scientific explanation. Four types of explanations were provided: a simple description, description with terms, an explanation with misconception, and a scientific explanation. Second, respondents answered multiple‐choice questions and substantiated their choices. The findings showed not only various misconceptions but also differences between the phenomena and the teacher groups. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 41: 432–448, 2004