New Perspectives in Science Education
Pedagogical Knowledge as a Component of Pedagogical Content Knowledge in Early Childhood Science Education: Teaching Melting and Freezing
Eleni Tseou, School of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece)
Abstract
Teachers’ Pedagogical Knowledge constitutes one of the key components of Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) in Science Education. The present study aims to investigate specific aspects of PCK related to this component. More specifically, it examines the knowledge, conceptions, and teaching practices of two early childhood teachers regarding pedagogical knowledge in teaching the concepts of melting and freezing in kindergarten. To investigate PCK, a functional model was employed, developed through a review of the relevant literature and further enriched through its application in the empirical field. The model is theoretically grounded in a combination of radical and sociocultural constructivism, highlighting the integrative nature of PCK. A case study approach was adopted to investigate the teaching of melting and freezing, with two early childhood teachers participating in the study. Research data were collected through a questionnaire, a written lesson plan, video recordings of the teaching process, and two interviews. The findings revealed difficulties related to classroom management and organization, communication and language, particularly regarding student-centred and teacher-centred approaches, as well as the use of subject-specific science strategies and topic-specific teaching strategies concerning the representations and activities employed. Overall, the findings indicate that early childhood teachers face significant challenges regarding pedagogical knowledge when teaching science concepts and phenomena such as melting and freezing, which may affect the effectiveness of teaching and learning. Based on these findings, the implementation of targeted professional development activities and the development of appropriate supporting educational materials are recommended.
Keywords: Pedagogical Content Knowledge, melting / freezing, Kindergarten, pedagogical knowledge, Science Education.
REFERENCES
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