The purpose of this study was to explore how elementary science classes could be identified in terms
of classroom discourse, student attitude toward science and science classes as well as student perception
of their learning environment. A 4th grade...
The purpose of this study was to explore how elementary science classes could be identified in terms
of classroom discourse, student attitude toward science and science classes as well as student perception
of their learning environment. A 4th graders' science class was videotaped for this study and two
questionnaires for student attitude and perceptions were administered to them. By means of these findings,
a classroom teacher can clarify his needs of changing classes and find a direction and topics of his own
action research for implementing classroom reform. Discourse pattern analysis as well as student
perception on learning environment has been great tools to examine science classes in recent research
with regard to secondary science education. This study explored descriptively the potential of them in the
context of elementary science education. Starting with one case of elementary science classes, further
research would be followed to establish various aspects in elementary school science.