Description of the research

 

The thesis contributes to the dissemination of Cultural, Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) in the Teaching of Science in Europe. This approach leads to a review of scientific literacy (Roth, W. M., Lee, S., 2004 ), as well as to review the role of information and communications technologies (van Eijck, M. & Roth, W. M., 2007 , Kaptelinin, V., Nardi, B., 2006 ).

Activity Theory or Cultural, Historical Activity Theory provides an interactive platform for researchers working in interdisciplinary fields of cultural studies in Sciences Education. The dissertation aims to bridge the gap between science and the social sciences and helps to promote public understanding of science, the development of values through science and also in scientific literacy.

This thesis approaches the problem of inefficiency of science education, exploring aspects of the findings of PISA 2006. It is an innovation following the socio-cultural shift in Science Education, which is supported by scientists from California (Cole, 2006), Singapore (Lee 2004), the Filandia (Engeström 2005), Greece (Plakitsi, 2005).

The case of the thesis is that Cultural Historical Activity Theory - CHAT provides a fruitful framework for the analysis and design of activities in Science Education with the aim of scientific literacy at ages 5-9.

The methodological framework of the thesis is the developmental work research (Engeström, 1987, 2005 ). Basics of the method are the Design Experiment (Brown, 1992, Roth, 2005) and The 5th Dimension program (Cole, 2006).

Products of the thesis will be the new research method, an innovative curriculum for science, and standard training material (website, e-book). The thesis has synergy with conferences, programs, innovations in life-long learning.

Moreover the case of the thesis is that activity theory provides a complete reference framework for the analysis and design activities from the world of science for compulsory education to achieve the goals of scientific literacy especially in the ages of 5-9.  So far, the proposal of the thesis has been tested through pilot surveys, in which activities are analyzed: a) in textbooks of Environmental Studies of primary school, b) in the laboratory courses of Teaching of Science in Early Childhood Education Department, at the University of Ioannina.

Our studies highlight the possibility of organizing teaching and learning science in a fruitful theoretical framework, which will give further impetus to educational research in Science Education. This part of the dynamics of interactive systems of activity can be supported by this thesis.

The research objectives of the thesis are:

- Analysis of Science Education with a tool the CHAT.

- Planning activities for effective science learning with the aim of scientific literacy.

The theoretical and methodological framework of analysis and design activities is the development work research of Yrjö Engeström (1987, 2005). The key elements of the method include the method of Mwanza (Mwanza, D. & Engeström, Y., 2003 ). The methodology of the thesis will follow the strong tradition of research of the Design Experiment (Brown, 1992 , Roth, 2005 ) and fifteen-year history of The 5th Dimension: An after school program built on diversity (Cole, 2006 ). In the last frame teaching of science is connected directly with the University and practice - professional training for students in kindergarten and the first grades of primary school. Specifically our research focuses on the identities of children and their subjective perceptions of the activity itself and their role in it as well as on an in-depth analysis of the interactions within learning communities. According to the modern aspects of activity theory (Engestrom, 1999 ), the 6 basic categorical variables of an activity are analyzed:

--The subject of an activity (eg teachers, students)

--The object-target activity,

--Meditational tools (eg, history of science, computer, animation, etc.)

--The rules of learning communities,

--The roles of members of learning communities and

--The division of labor.

As a result, the research on teaching and learning of Science Education "opens" the horizons in society and culture.

Products of the thesis are a new research method, as well as an innovative curriculum on issues of Science Education, supported by standard learning materials (website - e book).