Premium
Scientific terminology and context: How broad or narrow are our meanings?
Author(s) -
Pushkin David B.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of research in science teaching
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.067
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1098-2736
pISSN - 0022-4308
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1098-2736(199708)34:6<661::aid-tea8>3.0.co;2-l
Subject(s) - terminology , clarity , context (archaeology) , relevance (law) , science education , epistemology , educational research , scientific terminology , mathematics education , focus (optics) , psychology , pedagogy , chemistry , linguistics , political science , philosophy , physics , quantum mechanics , paleontology , biochemistry , optics , law , biology
The valuable insights of Slisko and Dykstra ( Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 34, 655–660, 1997) enhance discussions concerning the use of scientific terminology in classrooms and conceptions studies. Their insights encouraged self‐reflection on prior definitions in this journal (Pushkin, Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 33, 223–224, 1996). Definitions intended to address specific terms with more clarity and precision, in retrospect, illustrate the potential difficulties specific terms create for educators and learner alike. Refined definitions will reflect a broader context. The term pseudoconception (Pushkin, 1996) is addressed in more detail. Conceptions studies may focus on learners' incorrect understandings; pseudoconceptions focus on correct understandings. Pseudoconceptions reflect the context of understanding; sensitivity is needed to the broadness or narrowness of that context. We sometimes perceive that education theory, physics, and chemistry are incompatible. All equally unique and important, none is completely independent from the others. Providing meaningful learning opportunities, science educators should see relevance in each; definitions of scientific terminology can reflect this. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 34: 661–668, 1997.