MSC904A Understanding alternative conceptions in science

Course Provider

National Institute of Education (NIE)

Certification

FlexiMasters

Academic Unit

1

Introduction

Research in science has shown that students, at all levels, when taught science concepts may not understand, partially understand, or even misunderstand them. This course delves into the nature of learning and learning impediments in science which gives rise to alternative conceptions.

This course is part of:
- Graduate Certificate in Science Education
- FlexiMasters in Science Education

Learners must complete the following courses to attain the Graduate Certificate in Science Education (12 AU):

• MSC903 Science as Practice (or MSC903A-C)
• MSC904 Alternative Conceptions and Conceptual Change in Science Learning (or MSC904A-C)

• MSC906 Representations and New Media in Science Education (or MSC906A-C)

Upon completion of the fourth course, MSC902 Science Curriculum Change and Curriculum Evaluation (or MSC902A-C), learners will fulfil the AU requirements to attain the FlexiMasters in Science Education (16 AU).

 

 

Download Brochure



At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Understand constructivist learning theories.
  2. How learning impediments and alternative conceptions arise.

Topics covered:

  1. Constructivist learning theories.
  2. Nature of alternative conceptions and learning impediments.

Participants with background and/or experiences in areas related to science education will better appreciate the course contents.

Participants are recommended to take the courses in the sequence A, B, and C as the contents of the latter courses build on the foundations of the earlier courses.

Standard Course Fee: S$1,122.70

  • SSG funding is not applicable for this course.
  • All fees stated are inclusive of 9% GST.
  • NTU/NIE alumni may utilise their $1,600 Alumni Course Credits. Click here for more information. 
  •  

    COURSE TITLE   ACADEMIC UNIT
    MSC902A Lessons from the past: Science curriculum reforms and science learning*1
    MSC902B Overcoming challenges for meaningful science curriculum*1
    MSC902C Evaluating science curriculum for improved outcomes*2
    MSC903A What is science? - Demystifying science1
    MSC903B Drilling deeper: Theories of science as practice1
    MSC903C Overcoming the tensions and challenges for authentic science learning*2
    MSC904A Understanding alternative conceptions in science 1
    MSC904B Ways to diagnose alternative ideas in science*1
    MSC904C Investigating and addressing alternative ideas in science* 2
    MSC906A Exploring different modes of representing complex ideas in science1
    MSC906B Making sense of science: Unpacking how science is represented1
    MSC906C Constructing representations for teaching science* 2
    MSC902 Science Curriculum Change and Curriculum Evaluation 4
    MSC903 Science as Practice*4
    MSCC904 Alternative Conceptions and Conceptual Change in Science Learning*4
    MSC906 Representations and New Media in Science Education*4

    Listed courses are:

    • Credit-bearing and stackable to Graduate Certificate in  Science Education (total 12AUs) and FlexiMasters in Science Education (total 16AUs)

    *SSG funded and SkillsFuture Credit approved