WORKSHOP ON DIAGNOSING SCIENCE UNDERSTANDING CONCEPTS

A workshop on Diagnosing Science Understanding Concepts was held in Sekolah Menengah Berakas on 18th August 2009 at 2.00-5.00 p.m. It was conducted by the 'UBD-SHBIE Research Group on diagnostic assessment of science understanding' together with Professor David Treagust from Curtin University, Australia. Participants involved in the workshop included science secondary teachers from Sekolah Menengah Berakas, Sekolah Menengah PAP Hajah Masna, science officers from the Curriculum Development Department, Department of Schools Inspectorate, Department of Schools, Department of Examinations and Department of Research and Development.

Dr Irene Chong from UBD presented the findings based on the group's research carried out in a few selected secondary schools in Brunei Darussalam. Professor David Treagust emphasised on the importance of finding out students' alternative conceptions and provided some information on diagnostic assessment of science understanding. After the presentation, the participants were placed in 3 groups (Chemistry, Physics & Biology) and given the tests to try out. Participants were then asked to give their views on diagnostic assessment and the Continuous Professional Development Programme (CPDP). The workshop was indeed interesting and very informative.