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Articles

Exploring the Understanding and Common Use of Scientific and Everyday Knowledge and Students’ Agency in a Kenyan High School

Pages 262-275 | Published online: 30 Nov 2009
 

Abstract

The understanding and applications of scientific and everyday knowledge by high school students was documented among 52 secondary students in Kenya. The study utilized a socio-cultural framework, a pre- and post-data-collecting strategy, and theme building in data analysis. Posttest data showed an increase of claims that referred to the conduct of scientific inquiry or systematic “finding out.” It appears that the content of the lecture prompted students’ to consider using scientific knowledge to solve problems in everyday life. The implications of the study point to a reconsideration of the practices of science education in Kenya and similar contexts.

Résumé

Nous avons analysé la compréhension et l'application des connaissances scientifiques et quotidiennes chez 52 étudiants du secondaire au Kenya. Cette étude s'est servie d'un cadre socioculturel, d'une stratégie pré- et post- test, ainsi que d'une élaboration des thèmes en analyse des données. Les données après-test montrent qu'il y a eu une augmentation des questionnements scientifiques ou des parcours de ≪ découverte ≫ systématique. Il semble que le contenu du cours ait incité les étudiants à se servir des connaissances scientifiques pour résoudre certains problèmes de la vie quotidienne. Les implications de l'étude indiquent qu'il serait opportun de revoir les pratiques en enseignement des sciences au Kenya et dans des contextes similaires.

Notes

1. This and all participants’ names are pseudonyms.

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