Showing papers in "International journal of environmental and science education in 2016"

Elementary School Students’ Attitude toward Science and Related Variables

Abstract: Worldwide studies have revealed an important issue in that an increasing percentage of students within the X – Y age group are not interested in science. Many students, especially females, have negative feelings and attitudes toward science, which discourages them from continuing with scientific inquiries. There are limited studies related to the factors predicting school students’ attitude toward science; therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the relationships among the seventh grade elementary students’ attitudes toward science, their learning approaches, motivational goals, science achievement and students’ nature of science (NOS) views. The questionnaires for this study were administered online to 3,598 seventh grade students in different regions and cities of Turkey. The convenience sampling method was used in this study. The correlation results revealed the positive relationship between attitude toward science and the other variables. Multiple regression analysis indicated that while students’ meaningful learning, self-efficacy, and nature of science views have a positive contribution, rote learning contributed negatively to the model. The findings also showed that parents’ income and education level had a significant effect on students’ attitude toward science.

Examining the Effectiveness of Augmented Reality Applications in Education: A Meta-Analysis.

Abstract: In this study, the purpose is examining the reviews released on augmented reality applications in education, merging the results obtained in the studies that are independent from each other, and providing a new viewpoint for the studies that will be conducted in the future. The meta-analysis method has been used in the study. 15 out of 171 reviews, whose effect size of the data may be calculated, and released between the years 2005 and 2015 have been included in the meta analytic effect size analysis. The reviews were intended to examine the efficiency of augmented reality applications in education and were selected after scanning the SCI and SSCI Indices. The names and the abstracts of the reviews were taken as bases in the classifying according to the target audience and subjects. It was determined as a conclusion in the study that the average effect size of the augmented reality applications in education was ES=0.677. In other words, it was determined that the applications performed by using the augmented reality technology in education had a positive effects on students, and that this effect was at medium level that could not be underestimated according to Thalheimer and Cook Classification. At the end of the study, the development of the augmented reality applications used in education, the missing points in present studies, and the new study areas are mentioned. OPEN ACCESS 9470 TEKEDERE & GÖKER understanding in which the learner is active and researching instead of passive learning, thinking, and supporting independent learning (Glasgow, 1997). The changes in developing informatics technologies and teaching programs and materials make is necessary to prepare a rich learning environment that may attract the attention of the z-generation. In this context, the learning materials prepared by using the Augmented Reality (AR) technology offer a learning medium that is close to the real world (Cai, Wang, & Chiang, 2014) and make it possible for the students to play an active role in the learning process. AR technology is the one that includes the loading and merging of virtual objects on real world images (video, sound, photograph, text, 3D models, etc.). AR is accepted as the extension of the virtual reality. Unlike virtual reality, AR offers the users a perfect interface that brings the real and virtual world together. The users may interact with the virtual objects that are placed within the real scenes around and experience the most natural and real human-computer interaction (Cai, Wang, & Chiang, 2014). Briefly, it is aimed in AR applications that a medium which is close to the real world is offered to the users. The use of AR technology in education is accepted as the first one of the application fields whose future is bright (Wu, Lee, Chang, & Liang, 2013). The New Media Consortium released the Horizon Report in 2012 and stated that AR technology is the newest technology for teaching, learning and creative research (New Media Consortium, 2012). AR technology attracted attentions with its properties like making it possible to interact with virtual and real objects, ensuring learning by doing and learning by experience, and increasing the attention and motivation (Singhal, Bagga, Goyal, & Saxena, 2012). It is clear that efficient results will be obtained from the real learning experiences that are provided with Augmented Reality technology based on the consideration that the learning in which more senses are involved within the learning process will be more powerful (Seferoğlu, 2007). A real learning experience is always necessary and the learning in which more senses are involved is powerful. In this context, AR appears before us as a new technology that is developing for learning processes (Lai & Hsu, 2011; Luckin & Fraser, 2011). It was observed in previous applications that using AR in education influenced the learning process in a positive way (Ibáñez, Di Serio, Villaran, & Kloos, 2014; Cai, Wang, & Chiang, 2014). It was reported that AR technology may be more influential in showing the astronomical events and dangerous experiments, which are not possible in the real world, to students, making the abstract subjects become concrete ones and making students gain experiences in subjects that are based on practice (Shelton & Hedley, 2002). It has been determined that there have been many studies in the past conducted on the use of AR technology in teaching chemistry (Cai, Wang, & Chiang, 2014), teaching mathematics and geometry (Sommerauer & Müller, 2014; Kaufmann & Schmalstieg, 2003), teaching natural sciences (Chiang, Yang, & Hwang, 2014), teaching physics (Ibáñez, Di Serio, Villaran, & Kloos, 2014; Cai, Chiang, & Wang, 2013; Lin, Duh, Li, Wang, & Tsai, 2013), and in increasing the academic success levels and motivations of students (Martin-Gutierrez & Fernandez, 2014; Di Serio, Ibanez, & Kloos, 2013; Ferrer-Torregrasa, Torralba, Jimenez, Garcia, & Barcia, 2015). In this context, there are a great number of studies conducted to examine the studies INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL & SCIENCE EDUCATION 9471 conducted on the field of education with meta-analysis method (Özcan & Bakioğlu, 2010; Dinçer, 2015; Wu, Wu, Chen, Kao, Lin, & Huang, 2012; Kış & Konan, 2014). However, we did not find any studies conducted on examining the methods of the studies on the use of AR in education and on calculating the influence quantity. In the light of the literature, which is summarized above, the methods of the studies on the use of AR in education are examined. The issues of on which fields these studies, which are independent from each other, are focused on are determined. When the results are combined together and when the influence quantity of the results obtained from these studies are determined, new targets will be provided for future researchers. With this study, the studies scanned in the SCI and SSCI indices that are intended for the AR applications in education will be analyzed with meta-analysis method, and the total effect size of these studies will be measured to provide new insights to the studies conducted in this field. In this study, the purpose is compiling the (a) studies that are conducted on how the AR technology is used in education; (b) classifying these studies according to the type of the subjects, years, target audience, the magazines they are published, and the efficiency levels; (c) combining the findings on the efficiency of the use of the AR applications in education with meta-analysis method, and measure the efficiency of these applications.

Developing an Instrument of Scientific Literacy Assessment on the Cycle Theme.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to develop scientific literacy evaluation instrument that tested its validity, reliability, and characteristics to measure the skill of student’s scientific literacy used four scientific literacy, categories as follow:science as a body of knowledge (category A), science as a way of thinking (category B), science as a way of investigating (category C), and the interaction between science, technology, and society (category D). The subjects of this developing study were 9 grade student of junior high schoolin Kudus. Validity test is done by the content, construct, and concurrent validation. Reliability testing is done by calculating a reliability coefficient “r”. Characteristics tested by determining the level of difficulty, distinguishing features, and the proportion or ratio of scientific literacy category in the instrument. Profile of scientific literacy ability is determined by measuring students' mastery of scientific literacy. The result of reliability test is the price of“r” at first trial is 0.59 and the last trial is 0.74. Validity test results indicate that the instrument meets the content, construct, and concurrent validity with valid, very valid, and valid category. Characteristics of evaluation instruments developed shows that the instrument has a level of difficulty that the proportion of about 13% easy, 67% about the medium, and 20% about the difficult. The results of the analysis of discrimination power combined with a level of difficulty and obtained 5 items with poor quality and should be discarded. Comparison category A: B: C: D is 7: 2: 3: 3. Profile of literacy skills mastery of science shows that scientific literacy is still low at below 50% for all categories. Evaluation instruments developed meet the content validity, construct, and alignment with valid, very valid, and valid criteria.

Beyond Data Points and Research Contributions: The Personal Meaning and Value Associated with Public Participation in Scientific Research

Abstract: As public participation in scientific research (PPSR) initiatives have expanded rapidly among private, public, and non-profit science research communities over the past decade, program managers and scholars regularly promote, evaluate, and manage such programs with a focus on the value and impact of PPSR efforts on the practice and relevancy of science. While many of these assessments rely on evaluation of individual participant knowledge and skill, they are driven by a broader interest in how such individual outcomes influence the form and function of science in society. Such a science-centered emphasis is neither surprising nor inappropriate. Nonetheless, such appraisals generally do not interrogate the full range of program goals and outcomes. This article advocates for greater comprehensive examination of the effects of PPSR participation on program volunteers. A more integrated perspective is therefore assumed to report on research conducted with volunteers in the Coastal Observation and Seabird Surv...

Understanding youth STEM interest pathways within a single community: the Synergies project

Abstract: The dramatic decline in youth interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) during adolescence, both in the USA and internationally, has been a phenomenon of societal concern for several decades. The Synergies project was launched to help deal with this issue. In this paper, we report findings from the first two years of our longitudinal survey research. We sought to understand the nature of the STEM-related interests of 10-/11-year-old youth living in a single urban community and the factors that seem to influence whether these various dimensions of interest increase, stay the same or diminish over time. We found that interest in three STEM dimensions—earth/space science, life science and technology/engineering—increased significantly for youth between the ages of 10/11 and 11/12 years. In contrast to the increase in STEM interest, there was a decrease in participation rates in a variety of STEM activities for the same individuals over the same time frame. We found no correl...

The Development of Discovery-Inquiry Learning Model to Reduce the Science Misconceptions of Junior High School Students.

Abstract: The main objective of this research was to develop discovery inquiry (DI) learning model to reduce the misconceptions of Science student level of secondary school that is valid, practical, and effective. This research was an R&D (research and development). The trials of discovery inquiry (DI) learning model were carried out in two different classes in SMPN 2 Maros, South Sulawesi. The results of the study after two trials showed that the discovery inquiry (DI) learning model have been valid, practical, and effective. The discovery inquiry (DI) learning model is stated to be valid because the assessment of all learning components conducted by validator meets the elements of validity. It is stated to be practical because the discovery inquiry (DI) learning component is fully implemented, and the ability of teachers to manage learning is at the high category. It is stated to be effective because the misconceptions of Science student are in the medium category. The activities of students in learning are fulfilled the ideal time achievement, and the results of the students’ questionnaire give the positive respond to discovery inquiry (DI) learning. It is concluded that the discovery inquiry (DI) learning model to reduce the misconception of Science students meets the criteria of valid, practical, and effective.

A Study of the Organizational Culture at a Higher Education Institution (Case Study: Plekhanov Russian University of Economics (PRUE))

Abstract: The article offers an analysis of the organizational culture at a higher education institution as in the case of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, conducted in order to study the students’ involvement in this culture and to draw conclusions as to what organizational culture principles are internalized by the students. The study used survey methodology and the OCAI (Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument) tool. The article’s content is based on the methods of analyzing, synthesizing and aggregating the data acquired during the empirical study. The article concludes that, in the students’ opinion, a hierarchy culture prevails at the university and that the students potentially expect some changes in the style of that organizational culture; it should be pointed out that this piece of diagnostics sets the direction for further development in terms of which the progress of the university’s organizational culture will have to be consistently adjusted and stimulated.

Meet the Scientist: The Value of Short Interactions Between Scientists and Students

Abstract: Students have been reported to have stereotypical views of scientists as middle-aged white men in lab coats. We argue that a way to provide students with a more realistic view of scientists and their work is to provide them with the opportunity to interact with scientists during short, discussion-based sessions. For that reason, 20 scientists from 8 professional areas were asked to share their experiences of becoming and being a scientist, in short sessions with groups of 7–8 students. The student sample consisted of 223 students between 13 and 15 years. Student and scientist questionnaires were used before and after the sessions to assess students’ views of scientists and their work, and scientists’ experiences of interacting with students. The pre-session questionnaires revealed that students considered scientists as ‘boring’ and ‘nerdy’ whereas after the sessions students focused extensively on how ‘normal’ the scientists appeared to be. The face-to-face interactions with scientists allowed students to view scientists as approachable and normal people, and to begin to understand the range of scientific areas and careers that exist. Scientists viewed the scientist–student interactions as a vehicle for science communication. Implications discussed include the need for future training courses to focus on developing science communicators’ questioning and interaction skills for effective interactions with students.

An Analysis of the Readiness and Implementation of 2013 Curriculum in The West Part of Seram District, Maluku Province, Indonesia

Abstract: The changes of curriculum by government always generate pros and cons endlessly. Similarly, the implementation of 2013 Curriculum, which has been established by the government, makes most of the school educators throughout Indonesia including West Seram district try hard to implement the curriculum. Given that there are a lot schools in the West part of Seram District which are located in remote areas, it is necessary to analyze the readiness of the implementation of the 2013 curriculum in the west part of Seram district, Maluku province, Indonesia to determine the readiness of the students, teachers, and even schools in the implementation of 2013 curriculum. This is a descriptive research which focused on the readiness and implementation of the 2013 curriculum in elementary schools (SD/MI), junior high schools (SMP/MTS), and senior high schools (SMA/MA) at the west part of Seram district of Maluku province. The data were collected using a questionnaire containing seven indicators. The results of this research show that the students and the teachers in West part of Seram district regency are ready to implement the 2013 curriculum. Even, there have been some schools that have implemented the curriculum. However, there are still some inhibiting factors in the implementation of 2013 Curriculum in West part of Seram district namely the lack of handbooks for teachers and students, the mental readiness of teachers and students which are not yet optimally prepared, and the dissemination that has not reached all schools.

Participatory Science: Encouraging Public Engagement in ONEM.

Abstract: This article provides a case study of a participatory science project that involved collecting observations of a giant grasshopper and registering them online. Our objective is to reflect on conditions for meaningful amateur engagement on Web 2.0 science platforms. Our overall approach is qualitative and ethnographically informed and draws on multiple data sources collected over a period of 18 months: semi-structured interviews, observations, statistical analysis of online activity, and document analysis. We identify a number of factors that enable widespread participation in this naturalist inquiry, organized by Observatoire Naturaliste des Ecosystemes Mediterraneens. Our findings illustrate how the association's double goals of stimulating an appreciation for nature and increasing scientific knowledge of the species under investigation are articulated as both naturalists and the general public participate. This double objective and the inquiry's locus of control—neither scientist-driven nor grassroots-b...

Norms and Values in UK Science Engagement Practice

Abstract: In recent years, there has been a rhetorical shift from ‘deficit’ to ‘dialogue’ and ‘engagement’ in UK policy and institutional discourse about science communication Past efforts to reduce public scientific literacy deficits have been overshadowed by calls for dialogue between scientists, science communicators and non-scientists However, it is unclear how this rhetorical shift has translated into a real change in the guiding principles and practices of UK science engagement This study investigates reported practices and discourse of UK science engagement practitioners from a variety of professional backgrounds Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered using questionnaires and focus groups The analysis employed a theoretical lens informed by Bourdieu's theory of practice, Irwin's taxonomy of first (deficit), second (dialogue) and third (contextual) ‘orders’ of engagement and theoretical conceptualizations of social change from cultural psychology and sociology Results suggest that participating practitioners’ reported experience was predominately first order, although current definitions and discussions of engagement by a small number of practitioners indicate some limited acceptance of dialogue-oriented thinking Such potential movement from past practice to current thinking is highly contingent however, not least because so few practitioners had experienced second- or third-order engagement The implications of these findings are explored both in terms of understanding patterns in UK science engagement and what they portend for Bourdieu's theory of practice and social change

High School Science Teachers’ Views on Science Process Skills

Abstract: The current research is a descriptive study in which a survey model was used. The research involved chemistry (n=26), physics (n=27), and biology (n=29) teachers working in Science High Schools and Anatolian High Schools in Turkey. An inventory that consisted of seven questions was designed to ascertain teachers’ think about the importance of science process skills in teaching science, to identify the frequency of these skills and the problems teachers encounter during their practice in class, and to specify their identification levels on these skills. The results of the study showed that these skills in general have a positive effect on teaching science and that the in-class activities promote conceptual learning. Most of the teachers participated in the study argued that these skills can only be gained effectively through laboratory activities in which both teachers and students engage; and almost all of them thought that centralexamination-based teaching poses a great obstacle. Teachers are more successful in identifying skills of observing, predicting, experimenting, and inferencing than other skills.

Learning About Genetic Engineering in an Outreach Laboratory: Influence of Motivation and Gender on Students’ Cognitive Achievement

Abstract: During the last 10 years, outreach science laboratories have become increasingly popular due to resource and time limitations in schools. Outreach laboratories offer hands-on projects in a situated and authentic learning setting, thereby promoting the development of students’ scientific literacy. However, students’ cognitive achievement within this context is still a subject of study. The aim of our outreach-lab study was twofold: first, we investigated the influence of students’ motivation to learn science on their cognitive achievement. Second, we examined possible gender differences with respect to achievement, cognitive load, and instructional efficiency. We conducted an educational intervention on plant genetic engineering with Bavarian 10th graders (N = 197) in an outreach laboratory. We applied a pre–post design with a follow-up test monitoring students’ motivation to learn science, their cognitive achievement, and cognitive load. The last two variables were combined in the calculation of instructi...

Exploration of Mathematics Problem Solving Process Based on The Thinking Level of Students in Junior High School

Abstract: Several studies suggest that most students are not in the same level of development (Slavin, 2008). From concrete operation level to formal operation level, students experience lateness in the transition phase. Consequently, students feel difficulty in solving mathematics problems. Method research is a qualitatively descriptive-explorative research aimed at comprehending the process of mathematics problem solving based on students’ thinking level. Formal subject described in a structured manner so that there is no information that eliminated in the calculation process. While in transition subject, information which is constructed is only based on empirical knowledge. And on a concrete subject, thinking process can directly determine the solution of a problem. Students in formal thinking level are able to plan a problem solving by relating an information that is obtained to an information which is logically asked. Transitional thinking level are able to visualise the problems logically when the context of the problems are closely related to the experience they have. And concrete thinking level is only able to plan a problem solving when the problem can be immediately and easily analysed.

High school students’ understanding of acid-base concepts: An ongoing challenge for teachers

Abstract: Using a quantitative case study design, the Acids-Bases Chemistry Achievement Test (ABCAT) was developed to evaluate the extent to which students in Malaysian secondary schools achieved the intended curriculum on acid-base concepts. Responses were obtained from 260 Form 5 (Grade 11) students from five schools to initially create the two-tier multiple-choice items. After pilot testing, the final version of the ABCAT consisting of 19 items, 10 multiple-choice items and nine two-tier multiple-choice items, was administered to 304 students in Form 4 (Grade 10) from seven secondary schools when 12 alternative conceptions were identified by at least 10% of the students. Of these alternative conceptions, three were displayed by less than 15% of students. The two-tier multiple-choice items had a slightly higher internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) of 0.54 than the multiple-choices items with a value of 0.42. The data from the study suggest that the ABCAT has shown the extent to which the teaching has reduced the incidence of students’ scientifically inappropriate understandings; for example, in nine of the 19 items, no alternative conceptions were displayed by the students.

Innovations in Hospitality Industry

Abstract: The article focuses on the study of the role and importance of innovation, its classification, the problems of its application in the hotel industry with emphasis on the application of sensory marketing tools in the development of the innovative marketing mix within the hospitality industry. The article provides an analysis of the \"seven sensual notes of hospitality\", i.e. \"sight\", \"hearing\", \"smell\", \"taste\", \"touch\", \"intuition\", \"impression\". The authors rely on the \"sensual notes\" in their consideration of an innovative hotel marketing mix, generalize and systematize the results of studies, practical examples from the experience of the world best hotels. The authors have conducted a comparative analysis of research findings pinpointing the impact of the innovative marketing mix on the performance of hospitality industry enterprises.

Enhancement of Students’ Independent Learning Through Their Critical Thinking Skills Development

Abstract: The article focuses on the problem of developing students’ critical thinking skills, which help them become independent learners. Analysis of research works of educators and scholars enable the authors to reveal qualities, necessary for students to enhance their critical thinking skills and become independent learners. Different points of view on the problem are given. The authors pay attention to the big role of command, team work. They consider project technology as one of its varieties, directed to improvement of learners creative and cognitive potential. The authors conclude that proper organization of independent work contributes much to development of students’ critical thinking, reflective skills.

Scientific Writing Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Undergraduate Writing in the Biological Sciences

Abstract: Scientific writing, while an indispensable step of the scientific process, is often overlooked in undergraduate courses in favor of maximizing class time devoted to scientific concepts. However, the ability to effectively communicate research findings is crucial for success in the biological sciences. Graduate students are encouraged to publish early and often, and professional scientists are generally evaluated by the quantity of articles published and the number of citations those articles receive. It is therefore important that undergraduate students receive a solid foundation in scientific writing early in their academic careers. In order to increase the emphasis on effective writing in the classroom, we assembled a succinct step-by-Step guide to scientific writing that can be directly disseminated to undergraduates enrolled in biological science courses. The guide breaks down the scientific writing process into easily digestible pieces, providing concrete examples that students can refer to when preparing a scientific manuscript or laboratory report. By increasing undergraduate exposure to the scientific writing process, we hope to better prepare undergraduates for graduate school and productive careers in the biological sciences.

Development of Social Infrastructure in the Management Practices of Local Authorities: Trends and Factors

Abstract: The relevance of the article is conditioned by the exceptional importance of the social infrastructure for the development of the state, society and each individual. Social infrastructure ensures the development of the municipal unit, satisfaction of the basic needs and interests of the population, creation of the conditions for its subsistence and reproduction. In this connection, the paper aims at analysis of the main challenges and tendencies in the functioning of the social infrastructure of the Russian territories, the factors of its development. The major method of research is jury of opinion the leaders of local authorities, that has allowed to consider the main resources and restrictions of their activities for the development of social infrastructure in the modern Russian conditions. The article includes the analysis of factors, determining the effectiveness of the development of social infrastructure of municipal units in the Russian Federation. The work discloses the financial-andeconomic and political factors, limiting the development of territorial social infrastructure. The article proves that the socio-cultural factors can serve as resources of formation of investment attractiveness of the territory, the development of social infrastructure. The results of the research can be used in the activity of public authorities in drafting of regulations, the practice of local government, contributing to the development of social infrastructure.

Challenges of International Students’ Adjustment to a Higher Education Institution

Abstract: The relevance of this work is determined by the real problems of foreign students’ adaptation to the educational environment of Russian high school. International students face certain problems, complicating adaptation to a new lifestyle, to the educational environment of the Russian high school, to a completely new social and cultural environment. Every year more and more foreign students come to Russia to get higher education, and every foreign student goes through an objective process of adaptation to college life. This article aims to develop recommendations, basic principles for an educational institution that provides educational services to foreign citizens. The leading method to the study of this problem is a qualitative method of case-study, which allows to focus on practical knowledge about real everyday situations, faced by foreign students in Russia. The case-study method provides an opportunity to pay close attention to the impact of social, cultural and academic factors on their adaptation. The article revealed that international students often face a series of transitional difficulties immediately after arriving to study in Russian universities. The problems are cataloged according to academic, social and cultural aspects. The article states that in order to overcome these problems, the students use resources provided mainly by the university. On the other hand, it is found out that these problems motivate foreign students to develop strategies to meet emerging challenges. The data obtained can be used in the practice of the university administration, faculty and staff to timely detect and eliminate academic, social and cultural challenges faced by international students at the beginning of their studies in Russia. Attention to these issues will provide more adequate support for foreign students.

Informal Science: Family Education, Experiences, and Initial Interest in Science.

Abstract: Recent research and public policy have indicated the need for increasing the physical science workforce through development of interest and engagement with informal and formal science, technology, engineering, and mathematics experiences. This study examines the association of family education and physical scientists’ informal experiences in science along with the association of informal family science experiences and early initial interest in science through multiple and logistic regression analyses. Research questions addressed are as follows: Controlling for demographic variables, do physical scientists parents’ level of education associate with participation in informal family science experiences? And which informal family science experiences are associated with physical scientists that report an initial personal interest in science by elementary school? These questions are analyzed with survey data from Project Crossover (N = 4,285), a sequential mixed-methods study that examines factors influencing ...

Polar Bears or People? Exploring Ways in Which Teachers Frame Climate Change in the Classroom

Abstract: Not only will young adults bear the brunt of the effects of climate change, but they are also the ones who will be required to take action—to mitigate and to adapt. Framing, as both a theory and an analytic method, has been used to understand how language in the media can affect the audience's concern and intention to act. The theory and the analytic methods of framing were adapted and applied to answer the research question: How do teachers frame climate change in the classroom? Twenty-five lessons from seven teachers were analyzed using semiotic discourse analysis methods. Teachers' frames overlapped to form two distinct discourses: a Science Discourse and a Social Discourse. The dominant Science Discourse can be summarized as follows: Climate change is a current scientific problem that will have profound global effects on the Earth's physical systems. The Social Discourse, used much less often, can be summarized as follows: Climate change is a future social issue because it will have negative impacts o...

Socialization for the Knowledge Society.

Abstract: The purpose of the study is to give an overview and present special features of socialization of the research type that prepares young people for life in the knowledge society. Methods of cultural and historical epistemology, of hermeneutic and structural-functional analysis of social action have been used in the study, as well as elements of the theory of values and philosophic ontology. The experimental part of the study involves methods of comparative analysis and synthesis of social work with creatively active schoolchildren and students. The article analyses the role of education in the conception of the knowledge society, created in the period 1940-1960s. As fundamental factors of a new type of socialization, the cognitive role structure of the knowledge society and spiritual abilities determining creativity are presented. The possibility of early research socialization is explained through the dynamics of the professional maturation period in the conditions of the general technological field of modern knowledge culture. The article lays a theoretical foundation and provides practical justification for a new socialization of the research type, which plays a crucial role in the development of the knowledge society and interprets the content of modern education according to its cultural mission.

Electronic Learning Courses as A Means to Activate Students’ Independent Work in Studying Physics

Abstract: Currently, there are special requirements to the system of higher education, focused not only on imparting knowledge to students, but also on the formation of the continuous need for independent self-education, self-creative approach to getting knowledge throughout their active life. In this regard, the role of students’ independent work with its potential to revitalize educational and research activities, to form general and professional competencies, self-education and self-promotion increases significantly. Currently, high-quality educational process is impossible without effective information and communication technologies. Particular importance is attached to the development and use of electronic educational courses which provides that all students of the academic group, without exception, will be involved into the process of learning. However, experience shows that students and teachers are not adequately trained to organize independent work effectively, and there are many issues that need to be addressed. The paper considers the problem of organization of students’ independent work in the study of physics through the use of remote modules, and describes the experience of the development and application of electronic learning courses (ELC) for the major sections of physics at the Physics and Mathematics Department in Elabuga Institute of Kazan (Volga region) Federal University. The obtained results prove the importance and effectiveness of the developed electronic educational courses in the study of physics in the context of improving the efficiency of students’ independent work when competency approach is used for training bachelors that enhances their competitiveness.

Corporate Information Management System and Its Influence on Increase of Changes Productivity.

Abstract: The urgency of the problem under investigation due to constant changes in the external business environment requires organizations to establish a mechanism to manage change and increase the impact of these changes. The purpose of the article is to analyze the change management concepts and their applicability in the strategically important holdings in the region, as well as identifying features of reforming of the enterprises in the crisis through the creation of change management system. The leading approach to the study of this problem is a systematic approach to identify the main features allowing for the formation of the mechanism of change management in the regional holding companies. The main results: systematization and analysis of the existing change management concepts, and identified particular changes in the company based on the use of change management system. Article Submissions may be useful for the regional and federal holding companies with constant changes in the external business environment.

Learning Outcomes in Vocational Education: a Business Plan Development by Production-Based Learning Model Approach

Abstract: This article describes the development of a business plan by using production-based learning approach. In addition, this development also aims to maximize learning outcomes in vocational education. Preliminary analysis of curriculum and learning and the needs of the market and society become the basic for business plan development. To produce a business plan by production-based learning approach, valid trials were conducted by experts, to evaluate the business plan design in stages. Validation process was done by three experts on the business plan content, content quality, and suitability to the material. The results of the draft business plan has been said to be valid for use on learning in vocational education after it is being revised and improved in accordance with experts’ advice. Through the business plan by using production-based learning approach, it becomes one of the bridges that can help students to learn entrepreneurship and growing interest in it. In addition, the learning outcomes in vocational education is not merely capable of producing the products but could think of innovation products. The resulting product is analyzed and clearly described in the business plan. Thus, by the end of the business plan produced by students can be more serious in learning, because students know the resulting product must be qualified and able to compete in the marketplace. Business plan of production-based learning approach has the power to encourage students to become more serious in the classroom.

Substantive (Content-Related) Characteristics of Deviant Behavior as a Social and Psychological Phenomenon

Abstract: The article is dedicated to an important social problem of contemporary Russian society to deviant behavior in the system of social relations. Deviant manifestations are not unique and new, however their study becomes especially important now, during a critical period of the Russian society development. In contemporary society the interaction of a personality, family and society is performed in the context of high-quality transformation of public relations which cause not only positive, but also negative changes in various spheres of social life. Various difficulties arising in the course of adaptation of representatives of these or those social groups to market economy generate deformation of interpersonal communications, dissociation of generations, loss of traditions. The diverse forms of social pathology increasing on a great scale, criminalization of social milieu, sharp weakening of standard and moral regulation of public relations, – these and other negative tendencies in the development of contemporary society set an extremely important task for psychological science on studying the nature, objective laws of deviant behavior and its subjects the deviant personality (deviant) and anti-social communities. In this regard, the article is directed towards the study of a concept, essence and experience of researches of deviant behavior both in domestic, and in foreign psychological science. The leading approach to the study of this problem is a holistic, systemic and dialectic approaches which provide an integrity and comprehensiveness of the research relying on a holistic personal development, considering the history of a personality. The results of theoretical analysis of deviant behavior are considered in the article. The overview of development of this concept is provided from ancient times to the present. The conclusions have been made on substantive characteristics of deviant behavior as a social and psychological phenomenon. Materials of the article are of practical importance to psychologists, social workers and the staff of educational institutions. 10610 V. B. SALAKHOVA ET AL.

The Feature of Scientific Explanation in the Teaching of Chemistry in the Environment of New Information of School Students' Developmental Education.

Abstract: The aim of this article is to disclose features of scientific explanation in teaching of chemistry in the environment of new information of school students’ developmental education. The leading approach to the study of this problem is the information and environmental approach that comprehensively address the problem of scientific explanation in the teaching of chemistry, to identify its characteristics and its role in the didactic system of developing training. In the article the concept of "informationaleducational environment" and "personal information culture", identified the main function as the primary explanation of the procedure of scientific thinking in the teaching of chemistry. The features of scientific explanation in teaching chemistry in the new educational environment due to six types of relationships induction and deduction in explaining chemical phenomena, theories and laws. The choice of the ratio of induction and deduction affect the chemical nature of the studied object, the problem of knowing the object, the logical links between the structure of the object and the structure used to explain knowledge. It was found that the role of scientific explanation in the didactic system of developing education in the new information environment is the development of students forming their scientific outlook, logical thinking and culture of information activities.

Designing Playful Learning by Using Educational Board Game for Children In The Age Range of 7-12: (A Case Study: Recycling and Waste Separation Education Board Game)

Abstract: Due to a progressive deterioration of our planet and its resources, environmental education has become important and children are required to understand environmental issues at an early ages. So, they can cultivate the positive changes in the future. Over the past decade, many new evaluation methods have developed for evaluating user experience with children, but the results of these studies have tended to be reported in the isolation of other techniques. This paper use different methods include focus group, Fun toolkit, and game checklist for designing board game about recycling. First we sketch our primary ideas and then we design our first board game prototype and evaluate it by focus group in order to gather children opinion and then redesign it for further evaluation, after that we select two computer game about recycling, in this part 20 children participate in evaluating two games by fun toolkit. The experiences of each were captured by using 4 evaluation instrument in fun toolkit including: smileyometer, the fun sorter, the again-again, This or That method, The results showed that the Fun Toolkit and This or That method showed similar results and were able to establish a preference for one game over the other. However, there were some inconsistencies between the results of individual tools in the Fun toolkit and some of the constructs being measured in the This or That method. Further research will try to identify any ordering effects of each method and redundancies of the questions. Result of this part were used in promoting our game according to the result of fun toolkit. Game checklist was also used in order to redesign the different parts of the game, consequently, we design a board game of these young children’s responses. Which can be used in both home and school area.