Cognitive Patterns of Socio-Scientific Reasoning on a Low-Carbon Campus Among Seventh-Grade Students

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 3:45pm
  In Poster Session: Making Sense of Complexity in Science Education

Abstract

Socio-scientific reasoning (SSR) is considered a key ability in tackling socio-scientific issues (SSI), yet few studies have examined students' typical SSR cognitive patterns. This study aimed to explore seventh-grade students' SSR through an open-ended questionnaire survey after a low-carbon campus SSI course. By thematic coding students' responses, the study identified common patterns across five dimensions: complexity, perspective-taking, inquiry, skepticism, and science versus non-science. Results show that students displayed varying levels of cognitive patterns from basic to sophisticated. The findings highlight the importance of integrating SSI into science curriculum and fostering a "sense of life" among students. Schools should organize scientific practices around core concepts to improve students' SSR ability in addressing SSI challenges.

Authors

• Chengji Luo, Beijing Normal University

• Haijian Sun, Beijing Normal University

• Jing Lin, Beijing Normal University

• Hongyan Zhao, Beijing Normal University