Blended learning for building student-teachers' capacity to learn and teach science-related interdisciplinary subjects: The case of Hong Kong

Blended learning for building student-teachers' capacity to learn and teach science-related interdisciplinary subjects: The case of Hong Kong

• Lee, Yeung Chung The Education University of Hong Kong
• Lau, Kwok Chi The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Yip, Wing Yan Valerie The University of Hong Kong

Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, 11(2), 166-181, 2016

Asian Association of Open Universities

2016

• F Learning & Teaching
  • FA General Teaching Strategies, Different Instructional Methods
• F Learning & Teaching
  • FD Application of Communicative Media, IT in Learning & Teaching
• M Teachers & Education for Teachers
  • MA Professional Education for Teachers

Science Teacher Education Blended Learning E-Learning Instructional Design Mixed-Ability Teaching

• Hong Kong

• 1997.7 onwards

• Post-Secondary Education

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to report the design and evaluation of an inter-university collaborative project entitled "Blended learning for building student-teachers' capacity to learn and teach science-related interdisciplinary subjects." The project is a response of the science education faculty of three Hong Kong tertiary institutes to the challenge of catering to the diversity of academic backgrounds among student-teachers. Design/methodology/approach: E-learning modules have been produced covering four content domains of science. These modules are designed based on the 5E learning model and are delivered to students using the learning management system provided by Moodle. The design of the modules is iterative, based on the evaluation of three consecutive rounds of trials through student surveys, and focus group interviews with students and course lecturers. Findings: The evaluation findings indicate positive outcomes for certain attributes such as conceptual understanding, eagerness and confidence in learning science, and metacognitive reflection on students' own learning. There are challenges to be met in relation to instructional design to cater for the diversity of student abilities, and enhance motivation in self-directed learning. Practical implications: The project indicates the ways to develop students' basic science knowledge in a mixed-ability setting through the design of self-directed e-learning modules blended with their major courses and possible measures to address the limitations of such design. Originality/value: The study represents a conscious effort for the science teacher education faculty of different universities to pull together to tackle a perennial teaching and learning problem. The findings provide important insights into possible ways to blend e-learning with face-to-face learning approaches to better cater to the needs of science learners with mixed abilities to prepare them for interdisciplinary teaching.
[Copyright © 2016 Yeung Chung Lee, Kwok-chi Lau, and Valerie Wing Yan Yip.]

• English

Journal Articles

• 24146994

https://bibliography.lib.eduhk.hk/en/bibs/fa24da1f

2017-09-08