MSC904 Alternative Conceptions and Conceptual Change in Science Learning

Course Provider

National Institute of Education (NIE)

Certification

FlexiMasters

Academic Unit

4

Introduction

This course introduces constructivist learning theories and conceptual change theories as well as methods to determine alternative conceptions in the context of science learning. It will create greater awareness of the difficulties in learning science, how to diagnose these difficulties, and how to design interventions to address them.

This course is mutually exclusive to MSC904A-C.

This course is part of:
- Graduate Certificate in Science Education
- FlexiMasters in Science Education
- Master of Education in Science

Learners must complete the following courses to attain the Graduate Certificate in Science Education (12 AU):

• MSC903 Science as Practice
• MSC904 Alternative Conceptions and Conceptual Change in Science Learning

• MSC906 Representations and New Media in Science Education

Upon completion of the fourth course, MSC902 Science Curriculum Change and Curriculum Evaluation, learners will fulfil the AU requirements to attain the FlexiMasters in Science Education (16 AU).

 

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  • Understand constructivist learning theories, how learning impediments and alternative conceptions arise, and how conceptual change can be effected
  • Use appropriate assessment methods to determine students’/individuals’ alternative conceptions
  • Review the research literature on alternative conceptions and conceptual change in selected science topics
  • Develop and implement a small-scale study to determine students’/ individuals’ alternative conceptions of selected science topics 
  • Analyse data and present findings from the small-scale study
  • Develop an intervention to address the alternative conceptions of the selected science topics determined

To meet the requirement of SkillsFuture Singapore, assessment(s) will be conducted during every course. The assessment(s) include:

  • Class Participation
  • Oral Presentation (Individual)
  • Written Report (Individual)

Participants with background and/or experiences in areas related to science education will better appreciate the course contents.

Participants are recommended to take the courses in the sequence A, B, and C as the contents of the latter courses build on the foundations of the earlier courses.

Standard Course Fee: S$4490.80

SSG Funding Support

 Course fee

Course fee payable after SSG funding, if eligible under various schemes

 

BEFORE funding & GST

AFTER funding & 9% GST

Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) (Up to 70% funding)

S$4,120.00

S$1,347.24

Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS)

S$523.24

SCs aged ≥ 40 years old
SkillsFuture Mid-career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES)
(Up to 90% funding)

  • Standard course fee is inclusive of GST.
  • NTU/NIE alumni may utilise their $1,600 Alumni Course Credits. Click here for more information.

 

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COURSE TITLE   ACADEMIC UNIT
MSC902 Science Curriculum Change and Curriculum Evaluation 4
MSC903 Science as Practice*4
MSC906 Representations and New Media in Science Education*4

Listed courses are:

  • Credit-bearing and stackable to Graduate Certificate in Science Education (12 AU), FlexiMasters in Science Education (16 AU) and Master of Education in Science (30 AU).

*SSG funded and SkillsFuture Credit approved