Research Article

Investigating preservice science teachers’ argument quality through SSI-based instruction: The role of context

Volume: 13 Number: 5-Special Issue December 28, 2024
TR EN

Investigating preservice science teachers’ argument quality through SSI-based instruction: The role of context

Abstract

Socioscientific (SSI)-based instruction has gained popularity in science education research as the number of controversial topics has increased daily. This study has two objectives: first, it aims to explore the quality of arguments made by pre-service science teachers (PSTs) through various SSI contexts. Second, it explores whether the context influences participants’ argument quality. For these purposes, a case study was designed with 13 senior (fourth grade) PSTs enrolling in a state university in Türkiye. Data were collected through participants’ reports. The results revealed that participants mostly articulated arguments along with supporting evidence (including backing, warrant, or grounds) without considering different perspectives (i.e., counter-arguments) and refuting evidence (i.e., rebuttal) in various SSI contexts. In terms of the SSI context, genetically modified organisms and artificial meat consumption contexts were the ones where participants were able to generate more arguments compared to other SSI contexts. Recommendations for teacher education programs in terms of enhancing the quality of arguments and the role of various SSI contexts in improving participants’ argumentation processes were provided.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

No funding was received.

Ethical Statement

The study was approved by the Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee for Science and Engineering of Usak University, decision number 2022-23/06

Thanks

We would like to thank all the participating pre-service science teachers.

References

  1. Atabey, N., & Arslan, A. (2020). The effect of teaching socio-scientific issues with cooperative learning model on pre-service teachers’ argumentation qualities. İlköğretim Online. https://doi.org/10.17051/ilkonline.2020.689681
  2. Aziz, A. A., & Johari, M. (2023). The effect of argumentation about socio-scientific issues on secondary students’ reasoning pattern and quality. Research in Science Education, 53(4), 771-789. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-023-10099-5
  3. Bächtold, M., Pallarès, G., De Checchi, K., & Munier, V. (2023). Combining debates and reflective activities to develop students' argumentation on socioscientific issues. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 60(4), 761-806. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21816
  4. Capkinoglu, E., Cetin, P. S., & Metin Peten, D. (2021). How do pre-service science teachers evaluate the persuasiveness of a socioscientific argument?. International Journal of Science Education 43(4), 594-623. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2021.1876273
  5. Capkinoglu, E., Yilmaz, S., & Leblebicioglu, G. (2020). Quality of argumentation by seventh‐graders in local socioscientific issues. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 57(6), 827-855. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21609
  6. Cenk, A. G., & Ercan Yalman, F. (2022). The observation of pre-service teachers' argumentation skills on different socioscientific issues. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, 11(1), 31-53. https://doi.org/10.14686/buefad.900562
  7. Chang Rundgren, S. N., & Rundgren, C. J. (2010). SEE-SEP: From a separate to a holistic view of socioscientific issues. Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, 11(1).
  8. Chen, L., & Xiao, S. (2021). Perceptions, challenges and coping strategies of science teachers in teaching socioscientific issues: A systematic review. Educational Research Review, 32, 100377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2020.100377

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Science Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 28, 2024

Submission Date

June 26, 2024

Acceptance Date

September 10, 2024

Published in Issue

Year 2024 Volume: 13 Number: 5-Special Issue

APA
Cebesoy, Ü. B., & Seyhan Özdemir, B. (2024). Investigating preservice science teachers’ argument quality through SSI-based instruction: The role of context. Turkish Journal of Education, 13(5-Special Issue), 465-483. https://doi.org/10.19128/turje.1505145

Turkish Journal of Education is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0