Teachers' perspectives on teaching science through an argumentation-driven inquiry model: A mixed-methods study.

This study aimed to better grasp science instructors' perspectives on the argumentation-driven inquiry (ADI) teaching model through a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach. A random sample of 184 Saudi Arabian science teachers (96 males and 88 females) completed a questionnaire. In addition, seven science teachers volunteered to participate in semi-structured interviews. The results indicated that ADI was used by science teachers less frequently than expected. This is because of the widespread belief that inquiry-based instruction, when combined with argumentation, necessitates greater classroom time and effort. Additionally, respondents reported engaging in some form of ADI on a monthly basis, once a month. Consequently, it was suggested that science teachers' professional preparation and continuous development programs be re-evaluated to ensure that they are in line with the most recent science education standards and new approaches such as STEM, STEAM, and NGSS.

Exploring the Integration of Engineering Design Practices in Tenth-Grade Chemistry Activities.

Chemistry textbooks are the most popular teaching material in schools. They can contribute significantly to the attainment of scientific educational goals. Internationally, educational reforms in science subjects are adopting newer practices such as Engineering Design Processes (EDP) for addressing real-world requirements. This study, conducted in Saudi Arabia, employed a qualitative and quantitative content analysis method to evaluate the level of the EDP incorporated in the tenth grade chemistry textbook and accompanying student's experiments' guidebook. The results found the inclusive mean for EDP was 1.05, which indicated incorporation was found to be at level one. This inclusion EDP in chemistry textbooks has been rated as novice or deficient, which indicates that it does not fulfill the majority of the requirements for inclusion as suggested by NGSS.

Mathematics teachers' reflective thinking: Level of understanding and implementation in their professional practices.

Mathematics teachers must be able to engage in self-reflection and think constructively about their professional activities to instruct students effectively. This is also important for students' ability to solve problems in class, as well as the challenges facing them and their societies in the future. This study aimed to examine in-service math teachers' reflective thinking skills in the context of how they are applied to their understanding of their teaching practices. The sample included 322 mathematics teachers, who responded to a questionnaire designed to elucidate how they were thinking reflectively about their teaching practice. The findings revealed that the teachers' practices concerning all the themes of reflective thinking addressed by the questionnaire, especially their ability to self-assess, fluctuated around the intermediate, and advanced levels. The implications of our findings are discussed in terms of extensive and continuous professional development centered on supporting ongoing growth in the reflective thinking skills of in-service math teachers.

An Analysis of the Inclusion of Mathematical Discourse Components in Arabic Mathematical Textbooks: The Case of Saudi Arabia.

This study analyzes the content of 12th-grade mathematics textbooks and workbooks, based on their inclusion of mathematical discourse components. The mathematics textbooks and workbooks were used in a Saudi Arabian school, where students are transitioning from secondary education to university. The results revealed that Saudi Arabian school textbooks and workbooks did not appropriately include discourse components or discourse skills to help facilitate mathematical learning among students. Furthermore, these textbooks did not exceed level two of the four levels of inclusion. As a result, the inclusion was insufficient in helping students meaningfully understand mathematical concepts, become active students, and develop successful community leadership. This implies that mathematics textbooks and workbooks should be revised to include mathematical discourse so that this inclusion is more student directed than teacher directed.