Boundary Objects as Learning Mechanism: Case Study of Interdisciplinary Community for Socio-Scientific Issues Instruction

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: Division K - Section 05: Teacher and Teacher Educator Learning Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

This study explores the role of boundary objects in the transformation process of an interdisciplinary community for Socio-Scientific Issues instruction. The action research for this project was conducted at three K7-9th grade secondary schools in an urban area located in the southwest of China. The findings of this study identify five types of effective boundary objects: the organizational repository boundary objects; the standardized form of boundary objects; intra-personal boundary objects for professional development; research as a sustainable boundary object; networking as an effective boundary object. The implications of these research findings for the learning mechanism of interdisciplinary teachers community can be considered on a number of levels: at the level of educational systems, schools, individual teachers and teacher educators.

Author

• Xiao Qin Peng, Beijing Normal University