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In search of explanatory frameworks: an analysis of Richard Feynman's lecture 'Atoms in motion'

2000; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 22; Issue: 11 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/09500690050166733

1464-5289

David F. Treagust, Allan G. Harrison,

Animal and Plant Science Education

Abstract Science is devoted to understanding and explaining the natural world and a goal of science education is to communicate science knowledge to novice science learners and non-scientists. Learners are often provided with descriptions of science phenomena rather than explanations and many students offer a description when an explanation is needed. In this study, firstly the various aspects of explanations that make up an explanatory framework and the notion of pedagogical content knowledge are discussed. Secondly, an exemplary set of physics explanations are analysed, namely from Richard Feynman's Six Easy Pieces, to identify the individual and holistic characteristics of an effective explanation. To date, this research indicates that a variable mix of science content, educational context, student factors and teacher factors contribute to effective explanations in educational settings. It is likely that teacher attention to the explanatory framework exhibited by Richard Feynman will enhance science classroom explanations.