Science Education and International Cross-Cultural Reciprocal Learning: Perspectives from the Nature Notes Program

Description

This volume draws on findings from the Canada-China Nature Notes Reciprocal Learning Program to explore cross-cultural exchanges in science education in and outside of the classroom. Under the collaborative reciprocity perspective, cross-cultural learning needs to go beyond simple comparison in practices, values, and results and moves to a paradigm that emphasizes a two-way learning process in the context of acting together. Through collaborative work between the international teams and partner schools, the program described in this book shows how collaborative efforts between the two sister schools worked to raise awareness about Chinese farming culture and extend students' outdoor learning experiences. In this book, educators from across the research team share their insights and reflect on the cross-cultural collaborative process and how it impacted the learning experiences of themselves and their students. Series Foreword The Series and East-West Contrasting Educational Narratives Series Objectives and Contribution to Knowledge References Praise for Science Education and International Cross-Cultural Reciprocal Learning Contents Notes on Contributors List of Figures List of Tables Chapter 1: Introduction The Nature Notes Reciprocal Learning Program Study Methods Documentary Data Observation Data Interview Data Data Analysis The Structure of the Book References Chapter 2: Following the Rhythm of Nature: Wisdom in the 24 Solar Terms and the 12 Constellations Chinese Traditional Culture Science in Ancient China The 24 Solar Terms The 24 Solar Terms Were Successfully Applied for the Heritage The 12 Constellations References Chapter 3: Same Seasons, Different Campuses: Setting off the Journey of Nature Notes Program Nature Notes Contest Contest Background Contest Themes Contest Participants Contest Implementation The Format of Works Evaluation Nature Notes Enter Campus Background of Nature Notes Program Development The Program Contents Nature Notes in Canada–China Reciprocal Learning Program Project Sharing between Two Sister Schools Nature Notes Projects from Chinese Participants Proposing a Topic Project Study Plan Implementation of the Nature Notes Program in the Canadian School The Nature Notes Reciprocal Learning Programs Appendix 1: 24 Nature Notes Project Inquiry Working Package from the Canadian School Appendix 2: 24 Nature Notes Project Inquiry Working Package from the Chinese School An Example of Nature Notes Project Design References Chapter 4: Different Cultures, Working Towards the Same Goals Case 1: The First Exchange Case 2: New Breakthrough in the Exchange Case 3: Exchange around Awakening of Insects Summary and Conclusion Limitations and Suggestions References Chapter 5: Leading the Way for Students’ Growth Student Stories with the Nature Notes Reciprocal Learning Program Student Story 1: Protecting the Mother River—The Youngest River Captain in Chongqing Student Story 2: Practice Generates Knowledge Through Field Exploration Student Story 3: Embrace the Nature and Build a Harmonious Parent-Child Relationship Student Story 4: Battling with Wisdom and Courage to Fulfill the Career Dream of Environmental Protection Student Story 5: Hanging Foot Tower as Culture Memory Student Story 6: Survival of the Fittest Student Story 7: The Subtle Influence Is Worth a Thousand Words The Impact of the Nature Notes Reciprocal Learning Program on Chinese Students Enriching Students’ Knowledge Improve Students’ Overall Ability Promote Students’ Self-Development The Impact of the Nature Notes Reciprocal Learning Program on Canadian Students The Chance of Experiencing Nature and Learning New Knowledge Respect Personal Interest and Freedom of Learning Open Students’ Mindsets Cultural Differences and Mutual Impacts References Chapter 6: Teachers’ Experience and Perceptions of the Program Teachers’ Perception of the Program Implementation Teachers’ Professional Growth Respecting and Learning from Each Other’s Culture and Practice Summary References Chapter 7: Conclusion and Suggestion Program Impact on Students Program Impact on Teachers Student Suggestions for Better Collaboration and Practice Teacher Suggestions for Better Collaboration and Practice Implications for Future Practice References Index