Perception on Themselves and Their Students in Understanding Science Contents at Grade Level 2 of Grade 4-6 Teachers

Abstract

     The purpose of this study was to investigate the teachers' perception on themselves and their students in science understanding regarding to seven science sub-strands of the National Science Curriculum Standards. Study participants included teachers teaching science in grades 4-6 from 51 schools in the Pathumthani province of Thailand. The instrument was questionnaire consisting of rating-scales on level of understanding in each science content topic. The findings indicated that teachers perceived themselves and their students at moderate level of understanding science contents which reflected that teachers should be supported their content knowledge in many contents. These were the following: genetics, materials and properties of materials, force and motion, light and electrical energy, soil and rock, climate change, advancement and benefit of space technology. Knowledge of teachers' perceived areas of science understanding would help science educators in Thailand to plan science professional development experiences for grade 4-6 teachers.