Primary School Teachers' Understanding of Essential Science Concepts

Authors

  • Ari Widodo Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
  • Diana Rochintaniawati Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
  • Riandi Riandi Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v36i3.11921

Keywords:

elementary school teachers, misconception, science, understanding

Abstract

Abstract: Teacher's understanding of science is a prerequisite for teaching science. Due to the lack of science background during their studies, some primary school teachers have limited understanding of science. This study aims at identifying primary school teacher's understanding of essential science concepts. Data were collected from 293 participants of workshops of professional certification program at university. Teacher's understanding was measured using a multiple choice test whose answers are in the form of degree of certainty. The study finds that many teachers do not have good understanding of science. Misconceptions are also identified in a number of areas. Student textbooks, myths spread over in the communities, and narrow interpretation of religious teaching are some sources of teacher's misconceptions. These findings suggest that future professional development program for primary school teachers should be designed in the areas of subject matters and subject matter pedagogy.

 

Keywords: elementary school teachers, misconception, science, understanding

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Published

2017-10-28

How to Cite

Widodo, A., Rochintaniawati, D., & Riandi, R. (2017). Primary School Teachers’ Understanding of Essential Science Concepts. Jurnal Cakrawala Pendidikan, 36(3). https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v36i3.11921

Issue

CAKRAWALA PENDIDIKAN EDISI OKTOBER 2017, TH.XXXVI, NO.3

Section

Articles

License

Jurnal Cakrawala Pendidikan, Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, with ISSN: 0216-1370, is published by the Institute of Education Development and Quality Assurance (LPPMP UNY). Cakrawala Pendidikan has been recently has been re-accredited by Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture decision Number  51/E/KPT/2017 which is valid for five years since enacted on 4 December 2017.