Grade 1-3 Science Teachers' Perception About Scientific Understanding and Problems in Teaching About Matter

Abstract

     This study aims to explore 135 grade one to three science teachers' perception of their understandings in the concept of matter and the problems associated with science teaching after Thai curriculum reform in 1999. Data were gathered using a questionnaire, comprising background information of the teachers, rating scale items about level of understanding the 11 matter concepts and open-ended items about problems associated with science teaching. Finding indicated that most of science teachers were female, and graduated with Bachelor's degree in a variety of disciplines. There were only five percent of teachers graduated from science program. Moreover, most of them had moderate level of understanding the concepts of matter. The most difficult concept to teach is chemical bonding which is the microscopic level concept. Additionally, they indicated that problem of science teaching was the lack of scientific understanding, science teaching skills and insufficient media and learning materials. This finding is basic information for professional development personnel to enhance teachers' understanding and effective teaching about matter.