Characterization and Application of Educational Virtual Environments for Science Teaching in Secondary School

This work describes the characteristics of a representative set of seven different virtual laboratories (VLs) aimed for science teaching in secondary school. For this purpose, a 27-item evaluation model that facilitates the characterization of the VLs was prepared. The model takes into account the gaming features, the overall usability, and also the potential to induce scientific literacy. Five of the seven VLs were then tested with two larger and highly heterogenic groups of students, and in two different contexts – biotechnology and physics, respectively. It is described how the VLs were received by the students, taking into account both their motivation and their self-reported learning outcome. In some cases, students’ approach to work with the VLs was recorded digitally, and analyzed qualitatively. In general, the students enjoyed the VL activities, and claimed that they learned from them. Yet, more investigation is required to address the effectiveness of these tools for significant learning.

Ethnic identity construction in Chiapas: examining the role of higher intercultural education model = La construcción de la identidad étnica en Chiapas : examinando el rol de un modelo de educación superior intercultural

This study explored ethnic identity among 410 mestizo students who were attending one of three universities, which varied in their ethnic composition and their educative model. One of these universities was private and had mostly mestizo students such as the public one did. The third educative context, also public, had an intercultural model of education and the students were mixed among mestizo and indigenous. The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) was administered to high school students in order to compare their scores on ethnic identity and its components: affi rmation, belonging or commitment and exploration. Principle components factor analysis with varimax rotation and tests of mean group differences are performed. The results showed signifi cant differences between the studied groups. Scores on ethnic identity and its components were signifi cantly higher among mestizos group from University with intercultural model of education than mestizos from public and private universities of the same region. Implications of these fi ndings for education are considered, as they are the strengths as well as the limitations of this research

¿Puede un modelo educativo intercultural combatir la discriminación y la xenofobia? = Can an intercultural education model combat discrimination and xenophobia?

In this article we present a qualitative study conducted with six indigenous and six mestizos from Intercultural University of Chiapas. The aim of the study is to exemplify the mutual perception between different ethno-linguistic groups, as well as the possible change occurred after the admission to the University. That is, opinions about the other group after and before entering the University. We conclude that a higher education intercultural model can promote mutual understanding and relationship between indigenous and mestizos and thus combat prejudices and stereotypes

Two School Administrators’ Perspectives on How Intercultural Education is Promoted in Their Elementary Schools

This study examined the perspectives of 2 elementary school administrators (1 principal of a faith based school, and 1 vice-principal of a public school) towards intercultural education and how it was implemented in their schools. A generic qualitative research methodology guided this study. Face-to-face interviews that used a guide with open-ended questions were used to collect data. Participants were administrators in their respective schools, had been involved in intercultural activities at their school, and were professional acquaintances of the researcher. The interviews were digitally recorded and the interview transcripts were reviewed by participants to ensure accuracy. The administrators’ understanding of intercultural education tended to be limited to learning and celebration of various cultures. The intercultural education strategies used in the respective schools focussed on developing a knowledge base and provided limited intercultural interaction. The public school had greater resources available than the private faith-based school. However, the resources were not always used to facilitate intercultural education. Teachers and administrators were provided with very few professional development opportunities focussed on intercultural education.

Dimensions of intercultural education in the twenty-first century.

Resumen basado en el del autor

Improving secondary science teaching. 'Mejorando la enseñanza de ciencias en secundaria'.

Resumen tomado parcialmente de la publicación

Religious diversity and intercultural education : a reference book for schools.'Diversidad religiosa y educación intercultural : un libro de consulta para las escuelas'.

Resumen tomado de la publicación. El manual es el resultado de un proyecto del Consejo de Europa llevado a cabo entre 2002 y 2005 titulado 'The Challenge of intercultural education today: religious diversity and dialogue in Europe' (El reto de la educación intercultural hoy: diversidad religiosa y diálogo en Europa)

Science : teaching school subjects 11-19.

Este libro se centra en la enseñanza de las ciencias en la escuela a alumnos con edades comprendidas entre los once y diecinueve años. Desarrolla como tema principal la idea de que la ciencia en la escuela es una entidad con su propia identidad, con pocos elementos en común con la ciencia misma. Es decir, es una materia de enseñanza impartida por miembros de la profesión docente en instituciones educativas. En este contexto escolar, se examinan tanto la evolución de la ciencia en el futuro, las competencias profesionales de los profesores como, en su aprendizaje se refleja la investigación educativa.

Improving secondary science teaching.

Esta escrito para ayudar a los profesores, tanto nuevos como experimentados, a reflexionar sobre su práctica docente y a considerar la manera de mejorar la eficacia de su enseñanza. Así, examina los métodos de enseñanza más comunes utilizados para el aprendizaje de la ciencia por los alumnos y proporciona orientación sobre temas de dirección y procedimientos. Para ello, también, tiene en cuenta temas subyacentes tales como el interés de los estudiantes por la ciencia y su motivación para aprender, la forma en que aprenden, el tipo de ciencia que se imparte actualmente en la escuela, y el valor de la investigación pedagógica.

Science learning, science teaching.

Esta publicación ofrece a los maestros una guía completa y crítica en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la ciencia. Combina una visión general de la investigación actual con los cambios del plan de estudios para proporcionar una guía práctica de la enseñanza en el aula. Da consejos útiles e ideas para explorar más sobre los problemas actuales en la enseñanza de la ciencia. Incluye planificación de la enseñanza, establece objetivos de evaluación, el uso de las TIC. Cada capítulo ofrece referencias, bibliografía y sitios Web.

Good practice in science teaching : what research has to say.

Ofrece un panorama completo de las principales áreas de investigación en la enseñanza científica. Esta nueva edición incluye el aprendizaje de las ciencias en contextos informales y el desarrollo profesional del docente, así como refleja los cambios y avances habidos en su enseñanza. También, es una guía para profesores de ciencias de niños de todas las edades.

Primary science : teaching theory and practice.

Este texto es una guía para la enseñanza de la ciencia primaria según lo establecido en las normas profesionales para la acreditación docente (QTS) en Inglaterra y el Reino Unido. Cada capítulo incluye estudios de casos de situaciones para ayudar a los alumnos a establecer el vínculo entre la teoría y la enseñanza práctica en el aula. También se incluyen en cada capítulo resúmenes de investigaciones clave para guiar a los estudiantes en una comprensión más profunda de los fundamentos teóricos de la enseñanza, ideas para actividades prácticas en el aula y un glosario de los principales términos científicos.

La educaci??n intercultural : un reto en el presente de Europa = Intercultural education : a present-day challenge for Europe

Edici??n biling??e en espa??ol e ingl??s