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Drawings as a vehicle for student generated representations to learning of sciences in Fijian primary schools

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-24, 16:47 authored by Chand, DD, John KennyJohn Kenny, Sharon FraserSharon Fraser
Curiosity and creativity come naturally to most students. It can be used to create visual representations to develop critical thinking of a scientific concept. Drawings are a powerful pedagogical tool which if appropriately scaffolded will enhance conceptual reasoning in science. The aim of the study was to strengthen conceptual understanding of science through student generated multimodal representations and communication of their thinking. The study explored a group of six students’ ages 9-10, who produced drawings to explain the phenomenon of increased flooding in Fiji during the rainy seasons in Fiji. The students created drawings with written explanations followed by a verbal presentation. The study involved learning space observation focussing on teacher-student interactions and children’s activities, followed by Talanoa, an informal conversation commonly used and culturally appropriate in Pacific context with the case study group. The study found that doing drawings in science can encourage students to engage, enhances their ability to select useful information from a variety of sources, applying scientific learning to the local context and communicate their thinking effectively. The study also highlighted the critical role of teachers in scaffolding student learning, by using probing questions about their drawings and diverse cultural experiences to challenge their thinking.

History

Publication title

ASERA 2017 Conference Book

Volume

2017

Pagination

4

Department/School

Faculty of Education

Publisher

University of Technology, Sydney

Place of publication

Australia

Event title

Australasian Science Education Research Association Conference 2017

Event Venue

Sydney, Australia

Date of Event (Start Date)

2017-06-27

Date of Event (End Date)

2017-06-30

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Other education and training not elsewhere classified

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