Please Mind the Gap between Science and Design
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Abstract
Due to the STEM education policy in Thailand, science teachers are encouraged to use an engineering design process for teaching and learning science with other subjects. However, learning by engineering design may not always lead to science learning because of the different goals and different nature of science and engineering. Nonetheless, some teachers and educators may overlook these differences by assuming that science learning will occur spontaneously through design activities. In actuality, students need serious scaffolding to achieve design-based learning. This article aims to raise awareness about what Vattam and Kolodner (2008) call the “design-science gap” which often occurs in teaching and learning science through design. This article discusses how to narrow this gap, which will result in more effective science learning through design.
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