Emergent learning about measurement and uncertainty in an inquiry context: A case from an elementary classroom

Author:

Tang Xiaowei1ORCID,Shu Gang2,Wei Bing1,Levin Daniel3ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Faculty of Education University of Macau Taipa Macao China

2. Yanghe Garden Elementary School Chongqing China

3. Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership University of Maryland College Park Maryland USA

Abstract

AbstractStudents often learn about measurement uncertainty as an isolated topic, with a focus on generalizable strategies to manage uncertainty in scientific investigation. In this study, we report and analyze a case of emergent learning about measurement and uncertainty, in which students in a Chinese elementary school science class explored and reconciled discrepancies in hypotheses by constructing and using measures and making inferences. Adopting a model‐based view of measurement, we show that when allowed to take on emergent measurement uncertainty while inquiring into causes for phenomena, late elementary students with no prior experience can engage in sophisticated reasoning characterized by a variety of theoretical modeling practices. Developing and aligning models of the phenomenon, the measure and the measurement data supported students in constructing an intuitive solution to their discrepancies. Our analysis also identified (1) a pattern of thinking and some common assumptions students adopted in their modeling practice that were productive, and (2) contextual elements affording and constraining emergent learning on measurement and uncertainty. In our discussion, we reflect on the educational potential of adopting a model‐based account of measurement and of treating measurement and uncertainty as integrated into investigative practice. We also discuss the necessary contexts for realizing the potential of the model‐based account.

Publisher

Wiley

Subject

History and Philosophy of Science,Education

Reference61 articles.

Cited by 1 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3