Fijian Pre-Service Teachers’ Ideas about Science and Scientists

ABSTRACT

This paper reports findings from a small study with Fijian pre-service teachers about their perceptions of science and scientists. No known study of this nature has been conducted in Fiji nor in other Pacific Island Countries. The study drew on previous studies using Draw-A-Scientist Test as well as critiques of the instrument using qualitative methods associated with critical literacy approach to understand the relationship between Fiji school science curriculum and pre-service teachers’ knowledge of science and scientists. 88 pre-service teachers participated in this study. Data collection included participants’ drawings and written descriptions of scientists, notes taken during group discussions about their knowledge of science and scientific activities, and transcripts of interviews with some of the participants. While the findings resonate with similar studies conducted elsewhere, they have particular significance in a Pacific context where countries are attempting rapid technological transformations.

KEYWORDS:

• Nature of science
• scientist
• draw-a-scientist test
• Fiji
• pre-service teachers

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Fiji National University-College of Humanities and Education Research Committee [ACT325].