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Physics learning in universities utilized the Moodle-based e-learning media as an online learning platform. However, the effectiveness of remediating misconception using online media has not been widely researched. Therefore, this study was set to determine the level of misconception percentage reduction through the use of narrative feedback, the e-learning modules, and realistic video. The study was a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental method involving 281 students who were taking basic physics courses in the Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Education. The data collection used a three-tier diagnostic test based on e-learning at the beginning of the activity and after the treatment (posttest). The results of the data analysis with descriptive statistics show that the most significant treatment in reducing misconception percentage on the topic of free-fall motion was in the following order: narrative feedback, e-learning modules and realistic video. The misconception percentage reduction in the sub-concept of accelerated free-fall was effective for all types of the treatments.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education is regarded as one of the formulas to embracing many of our imminent challenges. STEM education benefits the learners by encouraging interest in STEM disciplines. This daunting task needs everyone's concerted efforts in creating and innovating mathematics teachers' classroom practices Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to identify best practices for STEM education following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) by Moher et al. (2015). The reviewed articles were published from 2016 to 2020 and accessed using the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases. Three themes for best practices were identified namely (a) core competencies encompassing 21st-century teaching skills; (b) instructional designs; and (c) requisite STEM execution. Results of PRISMA determined the dominant STEM practices were critical thinking, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, research-based pedagogy, problem-based learning and project-based learning, technological integration, accessibility, professional development and learning support, evidence of effectiveness, access to materials and practitioner support, and scalability. Mathematics teachers should determine the best STEM practices to employ even though there is a lack of studies on integrated STEM domains. When more students are interested in venturing and exploring into the field of STEM, the high demand for STEM related careers could be met by the younger generation.

Purpose: Self-directed learning (SDL) requires students to explore and decide their own learning objectives and strategies, and incorporate the various learning opportunities and resources throughout their learning process. This study investigates the university students' perspectives on university learning experiences and aims to highlight the extent of the university's support ecosystem to determine the effectiveness of SDL implementation. Methodology: Twenty Malaysian public university students were interviewed to obtain their views on SDL, and subsequently, their SDL experiences were further examined. A constructivist grounded theory approach was employed as the methodological and analytical framework for this study. A 'backward-and-forward' approach was applied to analyse the interview data. Findings: The findings suggested that a large number of university curriculum could potentially inhibit SDL. However, most university students acknowledged that SDL could support their lifelong learning journey, and prepare them to be skillful workers. Moreover, most students suggested that the SDL should be implemented as a type of learning where freedom in learning becomes a priority, rather than educator-designed learning strategies. Significance: The mastery of SDL skills is important to ensure that the students are competent when facing real world challenges. Hence, this study supports the effective implementation of SDL, where both students and educators should acknowledge their roles as equal learning partners.

Background: Students' interest in STEM careers is governed by various factors: (i) family influences, (ii) out-of-school time learning experiences, (iii) inside-of-school learning experiences, and (iii) media influences. Previous studies often investigate the direct influence of these factors, collectively known as environmental factors, on students' interest in STEM careers. Purpose: This study explains the role of self-efficacy on environmental factors that affect students' interest in STEM careers through a structural equation model. Sample: This study involved 14-year-old secondary school students who were selected based on cluster sampling and a total of 1800 students were chosen. However, only 1485 responses were considered valid for analysis. Design and Method: Survey design was utilised in the study. Structural equation modelling analysis was used to analyse the data. Result: The results of the survey demonstrated that the effects of family influences and out-of-school time learning experiences on interest in STEM careers were fully mediated by self-efficacy except for media influences that affected interest both directly and indirectly via self-efficacy (partial mediator). Inside-of-school learning experiences did not affect self-efficacy and interest in STEM careers. Conclusion: STEM learning experiences through informal modality are better predictors of students' interest in STEM careers. Improving formal STEM learning is imperative to ensure that STEM careers are promoted to all school students in a systemic manner.

Inquiry-based science teaching and learning (IBSTL) has been recognized as a powerful learning approach to develop students' problem-solving abilities and higher-order thinking skills. Research has established cultural dimensions in determining successful implementation of IBSTL. Guided by the importance of context in inquiry, this qualitative study explored the cultural dimensions of IBSTL from Malaysian science teachers' conceptualizations and practices of inquiry. A total of 223 volunteering primary and secondary school science teachers from Malaysian public schools were involved in answering open-ended questions to investigate the cultural dimensions of IBSTL. Data were analysed using thematic analysis approach. Teachers were found to reaffirm the following cultural aspects (maintaining social harmony, educator--learner relationship, balance in learning and failure avoidance) in the success and failure of implementing IBSTL. These cultural dimensions, namely educator--learner relationship and failure avoidance, were enacted both by the students and teachers. Thus, a successful IBSTL environment depends on both students' and teachers' roles that are aligned with the inquiry spirit. Therefore, unless and until the cultural influences are addressed, it can be argued that structured and guided IBSTL is the most compatible form of inquiry in the Malaysian education context and other Asian countries that share similar cultural values.

Scence educational standards are increasingly emphasising on argumentation skills. However, students' argumentation skills are often not developed well as their experience of science knowledge in schools is often in the form of uncontested facts. This research asserts that argumentation skills should be developed through explicit teaching of argumentation while engaged in practical work that draws on students' science process skills. In turn, developing argumentation skills also improves their science process skills. Thus, this research sought to examine the effect of the Modified Argument-Driven Inquiry approach (MADI), Inquiry without Argument approach (IWA), and the conventional practical work approach (CON) on the development of argumentation and science process skills of Grade 10 students in practical biology. This research employed the quasi-experimental methodology involving Pre-test Post-test Non-equivalent Control Group design. The data were collected through tests on argumentation skills, science process skills and diffusion and osmosis concepts' understanding. The MANOVA results showed that there was a significant improvement in the argumentation skills, science process skills and biology understanding among the students who experienced the MADI approach in practical biology. In contrast, students who experienced the IWA approach in practical biology showed significant improvement only in biology understanding.

Validity and reliability are crucial when conducting research to ensure the truthfulness of an instrument. This study investigated the measurement functioning of an instrument on students' awareness of space science. The instrument was administered to 206 secondary school students involved in the Sudden Ionospheric Disturbance p outreach program. Two experts evaluated the content validity of the instrument. Data were analyzed using the Winsteps 3.71.0.1 software to obtain the Rasch model analysis (RMA) on item reliability and persons' separation, item measure, item fit based on PTMEA CORR, polarity items, misfit items, unidimensionality, and a person-item map. The findings revealed that the items are valid, reliable, and appropriate to measure awareness of space science.

Pollution from quarry activities has a substantial environmental impact on many countries. This issue should be addressed accordingly as its impact may introduce various health-related problems to the surrounding community. One alternative is to increase awareness for the younger generation and society at large. However, environmental data modelling, specifically on quarry activities, has thus far targeted engineers and professionals, not school children, such as for knowledge exploration or learning material. At the same time, the number of students enrolling in STEM courses is continuously declining. Hence, this research aims to develop the environmental virtual interactive based education and learning model called PRInK to foster STEM education. Five components of the proposed model were identified: a) Computer-Assisted Learning; b) Motivation Level; c) Green Environmental Data; d) Learning Outcome; and e) Problem Context. The actual environmental scientific data were used in the simulation and visualisation. Experts in these fields verified the components. The result of the analysis reveals 17 groups of elements, which were further categorised into 58 sub-elements. The model then was validated through prototype development and users validation. The testing and validation of the prototype were carried out on secondary school children, with the results proving the usability and practicality of the model and showed the increased STEM motivation and interest. The PRInK model and the prototype increase society's awareness about environmental issues starting from school, increase STEM interest and improve the overall quality of life through a shared understanding for future generations.

Studies have shown that various factors (the role of formal education, informal education, and community) contribute to the lack of participation in STEM and STEM careers. This research aimed to understand the multi pathways of factors contributing to the interest in STEM careers (STEM careers in physical sciences and STEM careers in life sciences). This research was a survey research which administered a questionnaire randomly to 1485 secondary school students (14 years of age). Data analysis was based on the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach using Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) to test the hypothesized model. A model containing five constructs, namely environmental factors (learning experiences, media, social influences), self-efficacy in science, technology, engineering and mathematics respectively, perceptions of STEM careers and interest in physical sciences and life sciences STEM careers was proposed in this research. The results show that students' interest in life sciences based careers is influence by their self-efficacy and perceptions of the career. Meanwhile, students' interest in physical sciences based careers is influence only by their self-efficacy and not influence by their perceptions of the career. The need to improve students' self-efficacy through STEM learning experiences is imperative to ensure continued interest in STEM careers.

Science teachers' practical knowledge of inquiry-based learning influence their beliefs about science teaching and learning. The Indonesian Curriculum released in 2013 has required teachers to teach science via inquiry-based approaches. In fact, some previous studies have found that teachers have difficulties in practically implementing the requirements suggested by the curriculum. It is believed that teachers' practical knowledge may influence their real teaching practices. This research aimed to analyze how teachers employed their practical knowledge in teaching inquiry-based science by selecting an appropriate type of inquiry in science topics. 105 science teachers purposefully drawn from the regular meeting of Science Teachers Association of Surakarta City in February 2017 voluntarily participated in the survey. A nine-item questionnaire originally developed by W.W. Cobern et al (2104) was administered to measure the most appropriate type of inquiry in various science topics. The teachers' options represent their practical knowledge of inquiry-based learning. It is expected that teachers will choose the best appropriate type of inquiry focusing on student's autonomy, i.e an open inquiry. The results showed that the teachers differently interpreted the inquiry-based learning. Teachers mostly used guided-inquiry (32.8%) and open-inquiry (32.08%) to teach the science topics in the questionnaire. It was elicited that 12.17% of them selected didactic direct inquiry, whilst 22.65% of them chose active direct one. It is recommended that future studies should handle the results of the current study to appropriately formulate in-service curriculum and education for science teachers.

Pro-environmental behaviour is imperative to promote sustainable management and consumption of energy in the fight against climate change. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) has been widely used to explain and predict behaviour in a multitude of behavioural domains including pro-environmental behaviour. However, the TPB does not prioritise the influence of knowledge and habits on pro-environmental behaviour. Past studies also confirmed the influence of cultural factors in predicting environmental intent and behaviour, which were not covered by TPB. Considering that Malaysia is a multicultural country, on top of the environmental education factors, cognitive competencies, and affective factors, the influence of values that contribute to the pro-environmental intention behaviour on energy conservation has also to be considered. Hence, this study employed Fuzzy Delphi Method to determine the indicators explaining the effects of educational and psychological factors on pro-environmental behaviour. It was hypothesized that educational factors, cognitive competencies and affective factors influence secondary students' pro-environmental behaviour on energy conservation. The students' cultural viewpoint was also proposed as the regulating effect on their energy conservation behaviour. A total of 25 experts were selected to validate the questionnaire developed. The items/constructs developed were environmental factors (formal, non-formal and informal educations), cognitive factors, affective factors (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and civic values) and environmental conservation behaviour. The value construct, which comprised of values of empathy, respect, cooperation, responsibility, justice, equality, integrity, and altruism. Majority of the items/constructs were accepted by the experts. This reflects that the items/constructs developed were relevant to the study as the experts agreed with these items/constructs.

The development of ICT has led to the use of simulation and visualisation (S&V) in various domains as a useful virtual interactive tool. Although there are many discussions and related studies on the relevancy of S&V in current applications, the tools and methods proposed do not sufficiently meet the needs of the different and dynamic users today. A literature study has identified five main components that may influence the STEM motivation among school children through the integration of S&V that are: (a) Simulation and Visualisation for CAI; (b) Motivation Level and Process; (c) Green Environmental Data; (d) Learning Outcome; and (e) Adaption to Scenario. In this study, green environmental data are used as real scientific data. In order to validate the identified components, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three experts from different backgrounds, which are education, environment, and computer science. They were interviewed based on their experiences and the scope of their works. The interview aimed to gain in-depth information from the experts about the reliability and suitability of the identified components and the underlying elements. The design of the interview protocol and instrument is presented in this paper, which consists of demographics and background, application and factors that influence the usage of S&V, application and factors that influence motivation level and process, usage of environmental data, and current scenarios using S&V technique. Then, the interview data were transcribed, coded and categorised based on the identified themes. The result of the analysis reveals 17 groups of elements which further been The literature into 58 sub-elements.

As COVID-19 cases increased rapidly in Malaysia, the Movement Control Order was imposed nationwide by the government, resulting in immediate closure of schools and universities. Consequently, teaching and learning were instantaneously transformed into distance and remote formats. This article offers a snapshot into how teacher educators and student teachers, coped with the unprecedented situation. We also share our reflections and examination of the online teaching and learning experiences through the lens of TPACK and online learning models. A major implication for both teacher educators and student teachers is to acquire TPACK -- technological knowledge and technological pedagogical knowledge to ensure learning continuity and equity.

Only 23% of Malaysian workforce has tertiary education compared to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries such as Singapore and Finland that have tertiary education with an average of 28% and around 35%, respectively. This study investigates perceived needs lifelong learning programmes for professionalisation among the workers. A survey was conducted on workers from the industries. Most of the workers felt that lifelong learning programmes provide personal satisfaction. In terms of perceived needs, workers from higher positions in industries need lifelong learning programmes to get better positions and better salaries as compared to those with lower positions in industries to get better job and education. Both groups have different preferences for means of learning whether face-to-face or online learning. The implications are that the government has to change their policy in terms of requirement for these companies to register with the Human Resource Department Fund so that their workers be subsidised for attending lifelong learning programmes and to encourage the participation of public higher learning institutions for providing online and weekend lifelong learning programmes to the workers.

In this study, the learning of science outside the classroom is believe to be an added value to science learning as well as it offers students to interact with the environment. This study presents data obtained from two days' workshop on Lichen as Biological Indicator for Air Quality. The aim of the workshop is for the students to gain an understanding on various aspects on Lichens and its role as a biological indicator. Students are exposed to the following concepts and skills in the workshop: characteristics of algae, the concept of Lichen, causes of polluted air, the concept of quadrant, how to measure the frequency of Lichen, types of Lichen, determining the air quality index, factors determining the quality of air, the role of Lichen, the function of Lichen as a biological indicator and determining the level of air pollution. Four schools participated in the two day workshop whereby two schools were located in rural and urban areas respectively. A total of 125 students were given a pre-test on the concept of Lichen before the workshop followed by brief lecture sessions, hands-on and field work activities, presentation by students. At the end of the workshop, students were given a post-test. Overall, from the pre and post-test results, there is a significant difference in terms of students' performance from all the four schools, in knowledge and skills relating to Lichen and its role as a biological indicator in determining the quality of air.

In view of the current debate in Malaysia about the teaching of science and mathematics in English, a qualitative study was undertaken involving a purposeful sampling of three non-physics teachers to ascertain how well equipped they were with the necessary pedagogical content knowledge relating to the teaching of the topic of "heat energy" in the second language (i.e., English) to cater to the needs of Year 10 students of diverse interests and abilities in the subject. Data were obtained using video recordings from 10 classroom observations of the teaching and learning of the following topics/concepts: (1) thermal equilibrium, (2) heat capacity, (3) specific heat capacity, (4) latent heat, (5) specific latent heat, and (6) Boyle's Law, Charles' Law and the Pressure Law. This video analysis was triangulated using data from interviews with the three teachers. The findings revealed that the teachers possessed a variety of instructional strategies to teach the concepts in English and displayed commendable ingenuity to further facilitate student understanding by explaining in the Malay language when students experienced difficulty, while at the same time insisting that students used the appropriate English terms. In addition, when not familiar with certain physics apparatus, the teachers opted for simulations of the relevant experiments. As a result, the study has introduced a new component to PCK, i.e., the role of a second language in teaching science. (Contains 2 figures and 2 tables.)

Background: Previous studies have reported the impact of integrated science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-based programmes on students' interest towards STEM, however, only few have tracked the longitudinal impact of such programmes across the years. Purpose: This study examined the long-term impact of the "Bitara-STEM: Science of Smart Communities Program" ("Bitara"-STEM) on middle school students' interest towards STEM. Program description: The program exposed students with integrated STEM education through a hands-on project based learning experiences, in an informal learning environment involving the application of the five phases of an engineering design process. Sample: This study involved 121 students who participated in the 2014 cohort of the "Bitara-STEM" program. Design and methods: Data were collected through a longitudinal survey and interviews. Interviews were conducted with sub sample of students to gauge the reasoning behind the decline, sustain or increment of interest towards STEM. Results: Findings revealed that, 2 years after leaving the programme, the levels of interest towards STEM careers were sustained but interest towards STEM subjects was not. The data from interviews revealed that the possible reasons for the decrease in interest towards STEM subjects could be due to the quality of teaching and learning that they experienced in the classroom. Conclusions: Thus, in order to sustain interest towards STEM subjects, students should be involved with "Bitara"-STEM type active learning strategies more regularly. Teaching and learning approaches in schools need to reflect the more active learning approaches, involving the integration of STEM subjects, as exemplified in this programme.

Identifying the factors that contribute to interest in STEM will provide guidance for successful interventions as well as contribute to our understanding of how students learn STEM content and how STEM career trajectories are developed. Thus, this study aimed to develop an instrument of STEM career interest. The process of the instrument development involved four stages, namely establishing content validity, conducting a pre-test, conducting exploratory factor analysis, and performing construct reliability. In this study, an 80-item questionnaire was administered to 354 middle secondary school students (14 years of age). Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the 80 items were grouped into four main factors, namely environmental factors, STEM self-efficacy, perception of STEM careers and interest in STEM careers. Four sub-constructs were grouped under environmental factors and these are activities in the classroom, activities outside the classroom, social influences and media influences. STEM self-efficacy consisted of abilities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while perception of STEM careers consisted of two sub-constructs i.e., job prospects and skills needed in STEM careers. STEM career fields were divided into two sub-constructs i.e., life sciences and physical sciences. It is expected that this instrument would be helpful in research and evaluation that is aimed at measuring STEM career interest in students.

Self-regulated learning (SRL) studies have been widely researched, but there have been insufficient meta-analytical studies concerning the effects of self-regulated learning and achievement in science. This research, therefore, sought to perform a meta-analysis on the effects of self-regulated learning strategies on the achievement of students in science subjects. The study covered 22 studies from the year 2000 to 2019 which involved 7,258 sample sizes and a total of 63 effect sizes. The overall mean effect was 12 (high effect). The findings revealed self-assessment strategies had a high impact on students' achievement in science subjects. Metacognitive strategy can affect students' achievement in chemistry (es=1.82), physics (es=0.43), and science (es=0.88). On the other hand, behavioural strategy was found to be an important strategy for biology (es=0.45). The moderating effect of school level variable had a high impact (es=0.63) in all four science subjects compared to university/college level variable (es=0.33). Further studies should be conducted to examine the findings on SRL learning strategies in relation to i) combination of cognitive and metacognitive strategies for physics, science, and chemistry, and ii) behavioural strategies for biology.

The rapid advancement of renewable energy technology, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, necessitates improved knowledge and readiness for adoption among the younger generation. However, secondary school students often exhibit significant knowledge gaps regarding this technology, potentially hindering its future acceptance and usage. This study addresses this gap by developing the MinUSC (Minecraft Urban Solar Community) learning module, grounded in the ADDIE instructional model, to systematically enhance students' understanding and readiness for solar PV technology. The module's design involved five phases of the ADDIE model: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Findings from pre, post and delayed post-assessments reveal a marked improvement and retain in students' knowledge of solar PV concepts, such as electricity generation and PV system components, as well as their readiness to embrace this technology. The module effectively bridges the knowledge gap and fosters positive attitudes towards renewable energy adoption. This study contributes to educational literature by providing a structured, evidence-based module for promoting green technology literacy among secondary school students. The findings underscore the potential of integrating digital tools like the MinUS-C Module into science curricula to advance sustainable development goals, equipping students with critical skills and awareness for future energy transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastering creative thinking skills (CTS) is crucial for enhancing students' science conceptual understanding. However, conventional teaching prioritizes linear thinking over the three sub-CTS essential to science learning: associative, visual, and divergent thinking. Weaknesses in these three sub-CTS cause students to have misconceptions, difficulty in creating mental images, and an inability to generate ideas on abstract scientific concepts. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Digital Storytelling Science Creative (DSSC) module in enhancing these three sub-CTS, based on the topic of acids and bases. The ASSURE instructional design model guided the DSSC module design and development process. This quasi-experimental design study involved 63 eighth-grade students. Analysis of two-way MANCOVA using the data collected through the administered Creative Thinking Skills Test revealed that the DSSC module group performed significantly better than the control group in divergent thinking. However, the DSSC module did not significantly affect students' associative and visual thinking or gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embedding higher-order thinking within science education, particularly in teaching physics, can equip students to learn physics at a deeper level and to become active learners who can analyze and solve problems independently. The present research aimed to assess the effectiveness of scaffolding strategies along with a guided discovery approach on students' higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) at technical colleges in Saudi Arabia. The study employed a quasi-experimental design to involve 104 students enrolled in the physics 101 course in two groups: an experimental group (EG) (n = 54), which experienced scaffolding strategies and guided discovery approach during the instruction, and a control group (CG) (n = 54), which received the instruction through conventional teaching methods. All participants took a pre- and post-test consisting of a HOTS test. Data analysis using inferential statistics revealed significant differences in the test scores between CG and EG. The results indicated that students in the EG performed better on the HOTS test in comparison to the students in the CG. Based on these results, it is concluded that the scaffolding strategies and guided discovery have a positive effect on students' HOTS. The study's findings have significant implications for enhancing science instruction, particularly teaching of physics in Saudi technical and vocational colleges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to identify students' changes of (i) interest toward STEM subjects and (ii) interest to pursuing STEM career after participating in non-formal integrated STEM education programme. The programme exposed students with integrated STEM education through project based learning involving the application of five phases engineering design process. Two cohorts of middle secondary students participated in 2014 (n=129) and 2015 (n=113) were involved in this study. The study utilized one group quasi-experimental design. The analysis revealed that, overall there is a significant increase in mean scores for interest towards STEM subjects and career after participating in the programme. The findings also indicated that the program was effective at modifying students' interest level as the result revealed positive changes (from moderate to high level) for both 2014 and 2015 groups for interest toward STEM career (42.6% and 69.9% respectively) and interest towards STEM subjects (45% and 82% respectively).

This study investigated the understanding of science process skills (SPS) of 329 science teachers from 52 primary schools selected by random sampling. The understanding of SPS was measured in terms of conceptual and operational aspects of SPS using an instrument called the "Science Process Skills Questionnaire" (SPSQ) with a Cronbach's alpha reliability of 0.88. The findings showed that the teachers' conceptual understanding of SPS was much weaker than their practical application of SPS. The teachers' understanding of SPS differed by their teaching qualifications but not so much by their teaching experience. Emphasis needs to be given to both conceptual and operational understanding of SPS during pre-service and in-service teacher education to enable science teachers to use the skills and implement inquiry-based lessons in schools.

In the 21st century, statistical thinking has become necessary for all citizens as this skill is vital for societal literacy. Students with statistical thinking will grasp and apply the problem's context to develop research and draw conclusions, as well as the coherence of the whole process from asking questions to collecting data, evaluating, and testing hypotheses. Although statistical thinking is increasingly in demand in various emerging vocations, students and teachers find statistics challenging to understand. Thus, the study examines the level of statistical thinking of the process of describing data, organizing and reducing data, representing data, and analyzing and interpreting data among high school students based on gender. The statistical thinking test modification of the framework validation test, code, and subprocess reference was used to collect research data from 35 grade 10 students. The research data were statistically analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences version 23 software through descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically an independent t-test analysis. The findings revealed that none of the students achieved an analytical level of understanding; instead, their general statistical thinking skills were at the transitional level, followed by the idiosyncratic and quantitative levels. The findings also demonstrated no statistically significant gender-related disparities in students' statistical thinking. The study proposes several recommendations, including the necessity of connecting statistical activities to the reality of students' life and area of study and emphasizing practical rather than theoretical aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students nowadays need to be equipped with twenty first century skills in order to ensure their competitiveness in this era of globalization, especially in the science and technology sector. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the changes of 21st century skills among students after participating in an integrated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education program. Project Oriented Problem Based Learning (POPBL) approach was applied in the learning activities of this program as its fundamental pedagogy. A total of 125 secondary school students of the age 13-14 namely from the rural areas were involved as respondents. This study employed one group quasi-experimental to identify the students' 21st century skills before and after participating in the program. Data were analysed for descriptively, followed by an inferential analysis to compare the means (t-test) between the pre- and post-test. The findings from this study revealed that the level of 21st century skills (Digital age literacy, Inventive thinking, Effective communication and Spiritual values) among the students did increase and the increase was statistically significant. Interestingly, one of the components of the 21st century skills, namely "high productivity skills"' showed positive changes, from moderate to high level skills. The outcome of this study provides evidence that the application of POPBL in STEM education programs could help students to enhance their 21st century skills by learning how to solve real world problems based on authentic and real life experiences through project work.

Three teaching methods were compared in this study, namely a Cognitive Conflict Management Module (CCM) that is infused into Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE), (Module A) CASE without CCM (Module B) and a conventional teaching method. This study employed a pre- and post-test quasi-experimental design using non-equivalent control groups. The design involved 130 participants from Form 2 (Grade 7) in a Malaysian secondary school. The cognitive level of all participants was classified as non-formal operational on the pre-test and were allocated to one of the four intact groups: experimental group 1, EP1 experienced Module A, experimental group, and EP2 experienced Module B, while the others were divided between two control groups. The impact of the three teaching methods on the level of cognitive development and science achievement were observed after a 20-week intervention. Data were analysed using multivariate analysis of variance/multivariate analysis of covariance, analysis of covariance and a paired-samples t test. It is hoped that this study can contribute to knowledge in the field of cognitive intervention and cognitive conflict strategy. The findings show that a high dose of cognitive intervention in CASE activities within a short period has an effect on the levels of students' cognitive development, standard science achievement and constructive cognitive conflict.

This study aimed to determine the impact of strategic thinking and visual representation approaches (VStops) on the achievement, conceptual knowledge, metacognitive awareness, awareness of problem-solving strategies, and student attitudes toward mathematical word problem solving among primary school students. The experimental group (N = 96) received the VStops approach in teaching and learning of mathematical word problem solving, while the control group (N = 97) received the conventional approach. Five instruments were used to collect the data: the achievement test, conceptual knowledge test, metacognitive awareness questionnaire, problem-solving strategies awareness questionnaire, and attitudes toward mathematical word problem-solving questionnaire. Pre and posttest data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) followed by univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA). Overall, the study found that the VStops approach had a positive impact on achievement, conceptual knowledge, metacognitive awareness, awareness of problem-solving strategies, and student attitudes toward mathematical word problem solving.