Perceptions and Perspectives of Secondary Science Teachers on Core Concepts

Rather than an abstract discourse, the purpose of this study is to outline the core concepts in the 2015 revised curriculum as a concrete teaching and learning method in the school context. We interviewed eight secondary science teachers and reported their perceptions and perspectives on core concepts using a backward design model based on the cyclical process of the platform, deliberation, and design for developing teaching and learning materials to understand core concepts. The participants perceived these core concepts differently, such as big ideas corresponding to the ultimate principle, minimum science concepts required for daily life, and primary and significant key concepts. In addition, this affects the association of teaching and learning. When core concepts are understood as transferable and expandable big ideas, there is a tendency to focus on the relationship between concepts and design project learning in a specific direction. However, if core concepts are identified as minimum science concepts at the level of science literacy, that can be recalled within the context of life, there is a tendency to emphasize on activities that make a meaningful difference to the lives of students with focus on case studies that are relevant to everyday life. Once core concepts are identified as key scientific content elements, such as basic or significant concepts, teachers recognize that it is essential to emphasize concept changes by correcting misconceptions, acquiring accurate scientific knowledge, and developing problem-solving items through paper-and-pencil evaluation. As the 2015 revised curriculum is finalized and the 2022 revised curriculum is scheduled for release, effective policy support is required to ensure that the curriculum is revised, which emphasizes the purpose of big ideas by naming core concepts as core ideas, to be stably implemented in schools.