The influence of argumentation on understanding nature of science

Abstract

The aim in conducting this study is to explore the effects of argumentation on pre-service science teachers’ views of the nature of science. This study used a qualitative case study and conducted with 20 pre-service science teachers. Data sources include an open-ended questionnaire and audio-taped interviews. According to pretest and posttest scores, 3 participants were selected for gathering qualitative data and follow-up interviews. Analyses of the findings revealed that the argumentation based instruction was effective in 2 of 3 participants’ views of the nature of science. According to the results, 2 aspects of the nature of science were the most developed aspects of the nature of science assessed in this study; the social and cultural and the creative and imaginative nature of science. These findings highlight the need for teacher preparation programs to incorporate argumentation based instruction that promotes the development of the nature of science views. © Author(s).