Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Science Learning for Social Science Students
Kata Kunci:
Natural Science, Social Science Students, Teaching Strategies, Student Motivation, ICFP BaucauAbstrak
Many social science students at the Instituto Católico para a Formação de Professores (ICFP) Baucau, Timor-Leste, face difficulties when studying natural science in their second year because of their different academic backgrounds. This study aims to explore strategies that make natural science learning more accessible and engaging for these students. Using a literature review of recent research, the paper examines teaching methods that enhance motivation and understanding. Key approaches include hands-on experiments, clear explanations, interactive activities, and the use of real-life examples connected to students’ social and cultural contexts. The findings show that when science lessons are simplified, contextualized, and linked to practical experiences, students become more motivated and confident in their learning. These strategies not only improve comprehension but also make science more meaningful for learners from non-science backgrounds. The study provides recommendations for teachers at ICFP Baucau to design inclusive and engaging lessons that support social science students in successfully learning natural science
Unduhan
Referensi
Abrahams, I., & Millar, R. (2008). Does practical work really work? A study of the effectiveness of practical work as a teaching and learning method in school science. International Journal of Science Education, 30(14), 1945–1969. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500690701749305
Aikenhead, G. S., & Michell, H. (2011). Bridging cultures: Indigenous and scientific ways of knowing in science education. Pearson Canada.
Amaral, C. R., Riyanto, Y., Dewi, U., & Mones, A. Y. (2023). The effectiveness of collaborative learning based on mobile learning in a learning management system to improve science competence in biology education students. International Journal of Learning and Development, 9(5). https://doi.org/10.55214/25768484.v9i5.7287
Bangert-Drowns, R. L., Kulik, C., Kulik, J. A., & Morgan, M. T. (1991). The instructional effect of feedback in test-like events. Review of Educational Research, 61(2), 213–238. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543061002213
Becker, K. (2022). Effects of interdisciplinary instruction on students’ connection of knowledge across learning domains (Honors Project). Bowling Green State University. https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/honorsprojects/695
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2020). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61, 101860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101860
Gondao, L. V. P., & Paglinawan, J. L. (2025). Teachers' perspectives and practices in implementing interdisciplinary approach in teaching science. International Journal of Research in Innovation and Social Science (IJRISS), 2(1), 960-969. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90500080
Holbrook, J., & Rannikmäe, M. (2007). The nature of science education for enhancing scientific literacy. International Journal of Science Education, 29(11), 1347–1362. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500690601007549
Lee, E. N., & Orgill, M. (2025). Enhancing the accessibility of chemistry assessments for multilingual learners: Understanding challenging features in assessment items. Chemistry Education Research and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4RP00187G
Lee, O., & Buxton, C. A. (2023). Cultural responsiveness in science teaching and learning: Frameworks and practices. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 61(2), 183–205. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21752
Netshivhumbe, P. N., & Mudau, A. V. (2021). Teaching challenges in the senior phase natural sciences classroom in South African schools: A case study of Vhembe district in the Limpopo province. Journal for the Education of Gifted Young Scientists, 9(4), 299–315. https://doi.org/10.17478/jegys.988313
OECD. (2023). Education at a glance 2023: OECD indicators. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/69096873-en
Ojie-Ahamiojie, G. (2024). Using collaborative learning to elevate ‘students’ educational experiences. Faculty Focus. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/using-collaborative-learning-to-elevate-students-educational-experiences/
Osborne, J., & Dillon, J. (2021). Good practice in science teaching: What research has to say (3rd ed.). Open University Press.
Penuel, W. R., Reiser, B. J., & McGill, T. A. W. (2022). Connecting student interests and questions with science learning goals through project-based storylines. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-021-00040-z
Priya, R., & Rinki, A. (2021). Hands on activities: Role of methods of teaching as means of interdisciplinary education. International Journal of Advanced Research, 9(8), 454–460. https://doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/13288
Schmidt, H. G., Rotgans, J. I., & Yew, E. H. J. (2020). The process of problem-based learning: What works and why. Medical Education, 54(9), 755–763. https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.14055
Schunk, D. H., Pintrich, P. R., & DiBenedetto, M. K. (2025). Motivation in education: Theory, research, and applications. Educational Psychologist, 60(2), 80–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2025.2473894
Sharma, B. K., & Shukla, V. K. (2023). Interdisciplinary Approach to Education with Special Reference to Social Science at Secondary Schools. BSSS Journal of Education, 12(1), 41–51. https://doi.org/10.51767/je1203
Syafruddin, S., Ramadani, S., Elnafisah, D., & Sari, N. (2024). Innovation and adaptation of social studies learning in curriculum development. JUPE Jurnal Pendidikan Mandala, 9(2), 330. https://doi.org/10.58258/jupe.v9i2.6970
Tanjung, Y. I., Festiyed, F., Skunda, S., & Asrizal, A. (2025). Culturally responsive teaching in science education and its relationship with technopreneurship. Aptisi Transactions On Technopreneurship (ATT), 7(2). https://doi.org/10.34306/att.v7i2.563
Tindan, T. N., & Anaba, C. A. (2024). Scientific hands-on activities and its impact on academic success of students: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 14(6), 3947. http://dx.doi.org/10.9790/7388-1406043947
UNESCO. (2022). Reimagining our futures together: A new social contract for education. UNESCO Publishing. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000379707
Wafubwa, R. (2020). Role of formative assessment in improving students’ motivation, engagement, and achievement: A systematic review of literature. International Journal of Assessment and Evaluation, 28(1), 17–31. https://doi.org/10.18848/2327-7920/CGP/v28i01/17-31
Woitowich, N. C., Hunt, G. C., Muhammad, L., & Garbarino, J. (2022). Assessing motivations and barriers to science outreach within academic science research settings: A mixed-methods survey. Frontiers in Communication, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2022.907762
Zhao, F., Liu, Y., & Wang, M. (2025). Navigating the challenges and future pathways of STEM education in the Asia-Pacific region: A systematic review. STEM Education, 6(1), Article 4. https://doi.org/10.3934/steme.2025004
##submission.downloads##
Diterbitkan
Cara Mengutip
Terbitan
Bagian
Lisensi
Hak Cipta (c) 2025 João Mariano Helder de Deus

Artikel ini berlisensiCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.














