Science, magic, and education have always been linked, from science-based magic shows to teachers presenting demonstrations as magic tricks to capture their students’ interest and provide a mnemonic reference for the topics under discussion. Magic as an art form is also often used to convey information or act as an analogy for invisible phenomena. This study examined how the use of a magic effect designed as an analogy for active and passive transport in cells affected student scores and perception of the activity when compared to a standard story analogy in a high school integrated science course. To determine this, students participated in either a magic-based analogy activity (MBAA) or a concrete story-based analogy activity (SBAA), and then data was collected and analysed using a pre-test/post-test for the content and a Likert-scale anonymous survey for the student perception of the activity. The MBAA was shown to be similar to the SBAA in helping students learn but had the added benefit of increasing students’ reported engagement with the activity. This study shows how bringing magic into the science classroom can have a positive impact on student engagement and provides teachers with another option to support student learning.

Research shows that learning enjoyment in specific socio-scientific issues (SSI) plays an important role in predicting grade 10 students’ learning interest and learning enjoyment (i.e., genuine interest) in SSI subjects generally. However, it remains unexplored whether learning enjoyment also mediates a predictive effect of learning interest in a Big Science SSI of pressing contemporary global concern—COVID-19—on grade 12 high school students’ learning interest in SSI generally. The purpose of this study is to investigate how learning enjoyment may mediate the predictive effect of learning interest in the specific Big Science SSI of COVID-19 specifically on students’ learning interest in SSI subjects generally. Latent variable modeling using data collected from grade 12 students (N = 691) showed personal perceptions of learning enjoyment in SSI partially mediated the predictive effect of learning interest in the SSI of COVID-19 on learning interest in other Big Science SSI subjects. Implications for promoting among science educators and policy specialists the active development of students’ individual interests and involvement in other 21st century Big Science SSI challenges are forwarded. 

Recent studies in mathematics education have focused on students' geometric problem-solving abilities, self-regulation, and the problem-based learning (PBL) model. The goal of this study is to examine how well junior high school students' self-regulation and geometric problem-solving skills are enhanced by the PBL model. In this study, quantitative methods using a quasi-experimental design were used. The sample consisted of 45 students from Amanatul Ummah junior high school in Mojokerto, Indonesia. Five types of instruments were utilized to collect data for this research, namely Syllabus, lesson plans, student worksheets, Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ), and Geometry Problem-solving Test (GPST). The outcomes of the N-Gain test demonstrated how well the PBL model works to help students develop their capacity for self-regulation and geometric problem-solving. Apart from that, there are some notable differences between the traditional technique and the experimental class that is taught using the PBL paradigm. It is advised that similar trials be conducted in the future with a larger population and sample size. In both public and private junior high schools, it is strongly advised that more research be done with a larger population and sample size. Future researchers can also expand the study materials of geometry, not only to flat-sided geometric shapes but even further to curved-sided geometric shapes and also other subject matters.

This study compares experts' and teachers' conceptualization of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The study participants included teachers (n=20) enrolled in a graduate mathematics education course on PCK. Participants responded to two open-ended questions: a) describe in your own words what PCK is; b) provide an example of PCK. The responses were collected, qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, and then compared to those suggested by experts to identify and describe the similarities and differences between teachers’ and experts’ conceptualizations using the Pareto analysis. Experts’ and teachers’ PCK components ranking was analyzed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. Even though the results of the quantitative analysis were not significant (e.g., the observed U-value is 32 whereas the critical value of U at p < .05 is 13), the qualitative discussion on the differences between expert and teachers’ ranking suggests insightful interpretation of priorities among PCK components across the two groups.

Scaffolding dialogue is a concept in learning that refers to the support or assistance given to individuals during the dialogue process. The main objective of this research is to create a basic structure of dialogue to help and support students during the learning process in improving their algebraic reasoning skills. Algebraic reasoning is a process in which students generalize mathematical ideas from a certain set of examples, establish these generalizations through argumentative discourse, and express them in a formal and age-appropriate way. The study was designed using the grounded theory qualitative model method, which used three sequential steps: open coding, selective coding, and theoretical coding. The research was conducted on students of the mathematics education department at Universitas Islam Sultan Agung. Data collection methods include algebraic reasoning ability tests, questionnaires, and interviews. Data analysis in grounded theory is an iterative and non-linear process that requires researchers to constantly move back and forth between data collection and analysis. This process aims to produce a theory that is valid and can explain phenomena well based on empirical data obtained during research. The dialogue scaffolding strategy framework in improving students' algebraic reasoning abilities includes instructing, locating, identifying, modeling, advocating, exploring, reformulating, challenging, and evaluating.

We aimed to explore how Early Childhood (EC) preservice teachers (PSTs) choose and apply content-specific mathematics and science standards by analyzing two sets of lesson plans and two transcripts from whole class discussions from an EC mathematics and science methods course. From our analyses, we identified major themes and explanatory categories that indicated issues related to PSTs’ standards selection process. Students’ reasoning about their choices illustrated the resiliency of their beliefs about teaching and learning EC mathematics and science, and how their own observation experiences prevailed over our explicit instruction and assignment expectations. Drawing from literature related to Lortie’s (1975) Apprenticeship of Observation, we use our findings to consider ways to better appreciate and mitigate the strength of PSTs’ incoming beliefs on their readiness to plan for and implement lessons. 

Understanding and handling diversity, as well as inclusion, are critical in ensuring effective teaching and learning, especially in the mathematics classroom, where students have varied abilities. Despite the growing research in inclusive education, little is known about how mathematics teachers in the Ghanaian context understand the theory of multiple intelligences (MIs), leaving a gap in how this theory can be applied in the classroom to improve practice and inclusion. In this study, the authors explored Ghanaian mathematics teachers’ conceptions of the theory of MIs using a basic qualitative method design. 12 senior high school mathematics teachers in one municipality of Ghana were engaged through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, including field notes, to provide information on their conceptions of the theory of MIs. Thematic analysis revealed that mathematics teachers conceived the theory of MIs as a theory of different styles for learning, multiple teaching strategies, and a theory for catering to diverse student needs. The findings highlight the need for professional development and teacher training curriculum development to enhance teachers' understanding of the theory of MIs to improve their practice and handling of inclusiveness and diversity in the classroom.

This study delved into the factors affecting secondary school students’ interest to learn Mathematics. The aim was to gather insights that can inform strategies aimed at enhancing students' engagement, enthusiasm, and achievement in Mathematics education. Literature information was downloaded using databases such as Google Scholar, ERIC, Search 4 Life, Scopus, Web of Science, and Academia. Of the 129 studies obtained, 117 articles were retained after removing duplicates and studies that did not meet the themes of the study. Further filtering of studies by removing primary and higher learning school-related studies allowed the retention of 25 relevant pieces of research published between 2000 and 2024. The results from the systematic reviews analysis showed that instructional strategy, instructional materials, the importance of Mathematics, a future career in Mathematics, students’ attitudes towards Mathematics, students’ enjoyment of Mathematics lessons, teachers and parental support, and students’ perception towards Mathematics, are amongst the key factors affecting positively secondary school students’ interest to learn Mathematics.  

This study investigated the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into secondary school chemistry education in Zimbabwe, assessing their impact on student engagement and academic performance. Grounded in Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory and Cognitive Load Theory, the research employed a mixed-methods approach within a pragmatic framework. Quantitative data were collected through pre-test and post-test assessments and structured surveys, comparing an experimental group using AI tools with a control group employing traditional methods. Qualitative data from student and teacher interviews and classroom observations were analysed thematically. ANCOVA analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in post-test scores between the experimental and control groups, F (1, 117) = 188.86, p < .005, η² = 0.617, demonstrating a large effect size of AI integration on academic performance. Students in the experimental group exhibited a mean improvement of 20%, controlling for pre-test differences. Additionally, interaction effects between AI use and gender (F (1,115) = 0.17, p = .684) as well as prior chemistry knowledge (F (1,115) = 0.05, p = .829) were not statistically significant. Furthermore, 85% of the experimental group reported higher engagement levels, confirming AI’s role in fostering motivation and conceptual understanding. AI tools facilitated personalized learning paths, interactive simulations, and real-time feedback, optimizing cognitive efficiency and deep learning. Despite these advantages, significant challenges emerged, including limited internet access, insufficient technological resources, lack of teacher training, and curriculum integration difficulties. These barriers highlight the need for strategic investments in digital infrastructure, professional development for educators, and curriculum revisions to fully integrate AI into chemistry education. The findings underscore AI’s transformative potential in STEM education within developing nations. Addressing infrastructural and pedagogical challenges is critical to maximizing AI's impact, ensuring equitable access, and fostering long-term sustainability in educational innovation.

The article investigates the impact of assessment data analysis on promoting deeper learning in Canadian high schools, specifically focusing on teachers’ flexibility in data-driven evaluation. The research contributes to the discourse on assessment practices by emphasizing the importance of authentic assessments, competency-based learning, and grading methodologies. Selected high school teachers drawn into this further study formed a fraction of the initial set of participants. Classroom practices of assessments concentrate on: (a) Freedom to facilitate deeper learning in instructing, assessing, and sustaining interest. The others are: (b) Teacher’s emphasis on competency-based (standard-based) learning to make learning appealing to students in educational spaces, and (c) Testing, collecting test score data, analyzing, and reporting students grades to present parents and school districts/boards with accurate progressive data reflective of diversity in learning. In this qualitative focus group case-study discussion, participants indicated time expended in performing critical analysis of data to grade students is burdensome, but the joy of such practice far outweighs the inherent difficulties, knowing that student success is founded on flexibility, freedom in decision-making, and being reflective as educators.

Global concern surrounds students' mathematics learning, development, and achievement. Scholarly discussions have explored various factors influencing students' mathematics performance. However, more information is needed to understand the impact of mathematics teaching styles on student outcomes in developing contexts like Nepal. This study examines the moderators of mathematics teaching styles and their influence on students' performance. To achieve this, the Teachers' Teaching Style Questionnaire (TTSQ) collected quantitative data from 469 grade nine students across 14 high schools in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts of Nepal. Confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, and moderation analysis were performed to examine the effects of teaching styles on student achievement in mathematics. Key findings indicate that teaching styles, such as consideration and openness, are not significant predictors of student achievement, but rigid teaching styles can predict student achievement in mathematics. However, impact of the rigid teaching style was negative on student achievement. School type influenced the relationship between performance and considerate teaching, favoring private schools. School location influenced the relationship between considerate teaching and student performance in mathematics, favoring rural schools. Likewise, urban schools had a negative effect on the relationship between teacher openness and student performance, but rural schools had a positive effect on their relationship. Furthermore, low and high-ability students moderated the relationship between considerate teaching and student achievement, with the negative effect of low ability on considerate teaching and student performance and the positive influence of high ability on considerate teaching and student achievement. Student ability influenced the relationship between teacher openness and student performance, with a negative moderations of low and moderate ability students. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of teacher training in teaching styles for high schools in Nepal and similar contexts.

This study examines the validity of the Force Concept Inventory (FCI) in Ugandan secondary schools using Item Response Curves (IRCs) and provides a comparative evaluation of its effectiveness across different educational contexts. The survey focused on Senior Four students preparing for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations, with a representative sample of 941 students (aged 15–17) selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. The initial analysis employed Classical Test Theory (CTT) metrics before the detailed analysis of IRCs for the FCI items. The CTT evaluates item-level and whole test statistics like item difficulty level, discrimination index, and reliability. The CTT indices revealed that the FCI was highly challenging, with an average score of 5.76 out of 30 and a low-reliability coefficient (α = 0.15). Additionally, 73.3% of the items showed poor discrimination, and some distractors were ineffective. The detailed analysis of IRCs showed that several FCI items are inefficient in the context of the Ugandan education system. The IRCs also demonstrated a widespread choice of distractors for many items, with overall scores falling below the threshold indicative of a generally agreed-upon understanding of Newtonian physics. Comparative analysis from other global contexts studies suggests that language barriers, curriculum differences, and instructional methods influence student performance. These findings underscore the necessity of adapting the FCI tool to better fit local educational contexts and implementing additional instructional strategies to enhance conceptual understanding. A more culturally and contextually adapted diagnostic tool may improve physics education and better assess students’ conceptual comprehension of force and motion within the region.

Research consistently highlights the importance of promoting creativity in curricula worldwide and within school settings. However, teachers often fail to recognize mathematical creativity (mainly described and evaluated through fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration) and are usually ill-prepared to enhance it in their students. Few studies have incorporated educational programs focused on mathematical creativity, showing positive results in enriching participants' knowledge and perception of creativity. Nevertheless, participants' teaching practices were not observed, leading to uncertainty about whether these participants could integrate opportunities for students’ development of mathematical creativity in their lessons. In this qualitative study, we attempt to bridge this gap by observing teachers' practices before and after an intervention focused on mathematical creativity. Seven in-service primary school Greek teachers participated in the study. Their teaching practices were examined through classroom observation, using an observation protocol, before and after their voluntary participation in an educational program aimed at enriching their knowledge of mathematical creativity and their ability to cultivate it in the classroom. Observational data were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results showed that prior to the intervention, participants sparsely employed creativity-fostering approaches in their teaching. However, after the intervention, they significantly increased the time spent on creativity-provoking tasks, utilizing various creativity-promoting approaches and primarily focusing on developing fluency, flexibility, and generating new knowledge. Nevertheless, they did not significantly develop their skills in originality and elaboration, indicating the need for further support in cultivating these aspects of creativity. Future implications for professional teacher training and mathematics textbook writing are discussed.

The infusion of indigenous knowledge in academic subjects is often problematic due to personal perceptions or little experience with indigenous knowledge in a teaching and learning environment. The aim of the research was to indicate the experiences of pre-service teachers when infusing indigenous knowledge via storytelling in Physical Science. This article reports on the personal experience(s) of pre-service teachers in training at a higher education institution where indigenous knowledge was infused into the teaching and learning of Physical Sciences. The implementation of Ethnophysics as a teaching strategy, storytelling as a teaching technique, contextualised - and project-based learning as teaching methods and approaches and reflection on experiences when implementing participatory action learning and action research indicated a transformative way to embrace indigenous knowledge in the teaching and learning of Physical Science. Stories, related to the concept of heat in physical science were collected by the pre-service teachers from trusted adult members in their local communities. The pre-service teachers analysed the stories and reported their interpretation of scientific and indigenous knowledge in the stories. Inductive, thematic analysis was used to interpret pre-service teacher reflection on the experience and the Cultural Historical Activity Theory was used to indicate an overview and the connection between different elements of the research. The participating pre-service teachers indicated that storytelling, as a teaching technique, adds value to how they interpret concepts in Physical Science related to their unique culture. The pre-service teachers gained research skills regarding qualitative research and showed the ability to identify the contribution of both scientific and indigenous knowledge.

This study explores how mentor teachers in specialized teaching areas, particularly chemistry, interact in an Online Professional Development (OPD) program. The Mentor Teacher Professional Development (MeT-PD) program was designed to improve mentoring practices by creating opportunities for collaborative learning through various online activities, such as Individual Response (IR), Interactive Individual Response (IIR), Small Group Discussions (SGD), and Large Group Discussions (LGD). Using a qualitative case study approach, the research analyzed data collected from Zoom recordings and Nearpod activity logs. The findings indicate that while LGDs were useful for interactions between facilitators and learners, they were not as effective in fostering interaction among learners themselves, mainly due to the cognitive demands and how these discussions were structured. On the other hand, SGDs seemed to foster stronger participant interaction, probably because the smaller group settings led to more valuable exchanges. These findings highlight the need of thoughtful planning of OPD activities, with particular focus on group size management and selection of suitable discussion formats to improve both interaction and learning outcomes.

In this study, a topic-based analysis of students’ academic performance in mathematics across specific topic areas in selected lower secondary schools in Rwanda was conducted. The research examined third-term exam scripts (2022-2023 and 2023-2024) of 267 Senior One (S1) and Senior Two (S2) students at Groupe Scolaire Rushara, Groupe Scolaire Sheli, and Groupe Scolaire Nyarugugu, along with data from their eight mathematics teachers. A quantitative approach was employed using ANOVA to compare students’ performance across five key mathematics topics: algebra, metric measurement, proportional reasoning, geometry, and statistics and probability. The findings revealed significant improvement in statistics and probability (p =.000, η² = 0.293) and geometry (p =.000, η² = 0.178) between S1 and S2 students. In contrast, metric measurement showed no significant difference (p =.234, η² = 0.003), while algebra demonstrated minimal improvement (p =.050, η² = 0.007). Proportional reasoning showed moderate progress (p =.000, η² = 0.057), although students continued to struggle with applying proportional relationships. These results indicate that while notable gains were made in some areas, others require targeted pedagogical interventions to improve students’ conceptual understanding and performance in mathematics. The study underscores the importance of adaptive teaching strategies, enhanced instructional materials, and a more student-centered approach to mathematics education in lower secondary schools in Rwanda.

This study investigates the assessment practices of senior high school mathematics teachers in Ghana, examining both the dominant classroom methods and teachers’ self-rated assessment skills, as well as the extent to which teacher background characteristics are associated with these practices. Drawing on a national survey of 516 teachers, the results show a strong reliance on traditional paper-and-pencil tests, with high self-reported confidence in administering such assessments. Formative and data-driven practices, including the use of standardized test data and diagnostic assessment, remain infrequently implemented and are associated with lower self-assessed competence. Multiple regression analysis revealed that participation in assessment-focused professional development was the only significant predictor of both broader assessment practice and higher perceived assessment skill, while years of teaching experience, gender, WAEC examining roles, and academic qualifications were not significantly associated. These findings underscore the importance of targeted professional development in strengthening assessment literacy and highlight persistent gaps between policy intentions and classroom realities. The study recommends sustained, context-relevant training to promote more effective and varied assessment practices in mathematics education.

Data from over 1,500 middle-grade mathematics students were used to investigate their mathematical affect and identity. Early secondary students were asked if they considered themselves mathematicians and a prompt was employed to substantiate their mathematical identity. Separating by gender and grade affiliation (6, 7, and 8), Chi-square and Z-score analyses were used to compare subgroups. Data show that the gap in male and female mathematics identity and affect is shrinking. Though progress has occurred in encouraging young women to consider themselves mathematicians, work remains. Consistent with previous research concerning the sustained and relatively permanent nature of mathematical affect/identity at grade six, in this study it appeared to become stable near grade 7 (approximately age 13). Perhaps not ironically, grade seven appears to be the age at which adolescents enter a period of successful abstract reasoning, and the age (13) aligns with the beginning of pre-algebra for many grades seven students.

Spatial ability is a fundamental component in geometry learning and a critical skill for prospective mathematics teachers. However, traditional instructional methods often fall short in fostering students’ spatial reasoning, especially in higher education contexts. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an instructional model integrating Project-Based Learning (PjBL) with ethnomathematics on the spatial ability of pre-service mathematics teachers. Employing a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design, the study involved 30 participants who received geometry instruction through PjBL with cultural integration. The findings revealed a substantial improvement in students’ spatial ability, indicating that the intervention was both effective and meaningful. The integration of culturally grounded projects enhanced students’ visualization, mental rotation, and engagement. These results support the use of ethnomathematics-based PjBL as an innovative and contextually relevant approach to improving spatial reasoning in mathematics teacher education. Future research is recommended to investigate the long-term effects and adaptability of this model in various educational settings.

This study assessed the benefits and challenges of leveraging artificial intelligence in transforming science education in public universities in Kogi State, Nigeria. The population of this study comprises 52 science educators from the four public universities in Kogi State, Nigeria. There was no sampling since the population was manageable. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The instrument used for data collection was an online Google Form survey questionnaire titled Benefit and Challenges of Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Questionnaire (BCLAIQ). BCLAIQ contained 36 items and underwent trial testing. Cronbach’s alpha was used to analyze the reliability value, which yielded a value of .87. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. Mean and standard deviation scores were used to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics, specifically the t-test, were used to test the null hypotheses. The study revealed that there is no significant difference between the mean ratings of male and female respondents’ opinions on the benefits and challenges of leveraging artificial intelligence in transforming science education, respectively {t = 1.98, df =50, p > .05} {t = 1.83, df = 50, p > .05}. Thus, it was recommended, among other things, that government university administrators and relevant stakeholders should subsidize, partner with tech companies, and invest in AI-powered technologies. University administrators and relevant stakeholders should prioritize AI literacy and ethics by providing diverse professional staff training on AI fundamentals.