Misunderstanding in Science: Why is it so difficult to teach and learn?

  • Thread starter kishtik
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In summary, science can be easily misunderstood and mistaught, especially in subjects like math where teachers may only focus on chance and not creativity or knowledge. But this can be avoided if the subject is taught by capable and dedicated teachers. However, the issue of creativity still remains, as some teaching methods may hinder students' ability to think creatively and understand the subject fully. To combat this, additional resources such as libraries, the internet, software, and laboratories can be utilized to supplement classroom learning.
  • #1
kishtik
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Science is very open to misunderstanding, misteaching. Any teacher can ask questions which -only- include chance, not creativity or knowledge. This is evident in maths.
Science is a good thing but only in good hands. Otherwise it can only be a torture. But why? What makes science so "elastic"?
 
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I think these statements would remain valid if one substituted 'X' for 'science', where X is any subject of depth and significance.
 
  • #3
Originally posted by kishtik
Science is very open to misunderstanding, misteaching. Any teacher can ask questions which -only- include chance, not creativity or knowledge. This is evident in maths.
Science is a good thing but only in good hands. Otherwise it can only be a torture. But why? What makes science so "elastic"?

What kind of questions is the particular teacher asking?
 
  • #4
Originally posted by quartodeciman
I think these statements would remain valid if one substituted 'X' for 'science', where X is any subject of depth and significance.
If teaching methods and the subject is going to help the learner (mentally or material), the only wrong thing is the learner's laziness or density of the course. This case is easy to understand and solve. Be hardworking or select another course if you can etc.
But if the teacher does not spend any effort to make the subject more understandable then it is in the book, and her/him questions were so hard in a way that prevents you from wide creative thinking of your peers in the other parts of the world, and all of this happens in a school which all of your countrry's youth want to study, what is the problem? But this was not what I previously asked.
The problem is creativity. You lose your creativity (and respect to science) in this kind of education system.
Giving examples is easy. Geometry which cannot be seen etc.
 
  • #5
I realize now that you are conflating science and the teaching of a science subject.

I don't know if there are any means to insure that something gets learned except to open the door to a large quantity of resources that supplement classroom work. This would be in libraries, on the internet, in software packages and in laboratories.

You seem to bemoan mathematics teaching in particular.
 

1. What is the most common misunderstanding about science?

The most common misunderstanding about science is that it provides absolute truths. In reality, science is a process of constantly testing and revising ideas based on evidence, and no scientific explanation is ever considered final or absolute.

2. Why do people often misunderstand scientific concepts?

People often misunderstand scientific concepts because they may lack the necessary background knowledge or may be influenced by personal biases and misconceptions. Additionally, scientific concepts can be complex and difficult to understand without proper explanation or context.

3. How can science be misrepresented or misinterpreted?

Science can be misrepresented or misinterpreted in various ways, such as cherry-picking data to support a specific viewpoint, oversimplifying complex concepts, or making false claims based on limited evidence. Additionally, media and personal biases can also contribute to the misinterpretation of scientific information.

4. What role does communication play in avoiding misunderstandings in science?

Effective communication is crucial in science to avoid misunderstandings. Scientists must strive to clearly communicate their research methods, data, and conclusions to the public in an understandable and unbiased manner. Similarly, the public should actively seek out accurate and reliable scientific information from credible sources.

5. How can we address and correct misunderstandings about science?

Addressing and correcting misunderstandings about science requires a collaborative effort between scientists, educators, and the public. Scientists can actively engage in public outreach and education to share their knowledge and correct misconceptions. Educators can incorporate critical thinking and scientific literacy into their curriculum. And the public can actively seek out information from credible sources and remain open-minded to new evidence and ideas.

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