The Role of Teachers in, and the Importance of, Self-Discovery for Developing Science Process Skills

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Title: The Role of Teachers in, and the Importance of, Self-Discovery for Developing Science Process Skills
Language: English
Authors: Iskender Gelir (ORCID 0000-0003-4680-4402), Laila Al-Salmi
Source: Early Years: An International Journal of Research and Development. 2026 46(1):130-145.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Teacher Role, Science Process Skills, Hands on Science, Field Trips, Relevance (Education), Foreign Countries, Science Education, Inquiry, Child Care Centers, Plants (Botany), Discovery Learning
Geographic Terms: Oman
DOI: 10.1080/09575146.2025.2496224
ISSN: 0957-5146
1472-4421
Abstract: This study reports findings from a research project aimed at teaching young children about the growth of palm trees and the climatic conditions necessary for dates to ripen. Grounded in sociocultural theories, which posit that science learning among children is a collective achievement fostered through interactions with adults, this study seeks to illuminate how these interactions can facilitate a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. Utilizing a qualitative research paradigm, this study employs participant observation and video recording as primary data collection methods. Throughout the project, sixteen children engaged in hands-on activities and field trips that provided real-world contexts for learning. Data analysis was conducted using a multimodal approach, examining not only verbal interactions but also non-verbal cues, activities, and the collaborative dynamics between children and adult facilitators. The findings highlight the significant role adults play in nurturing children's science process skills, demonstrating that structured guidance can enhance observational and predictive capabilities. Moreover, the research underscores the importance of children's self-discovery in science learning and their multimodal engagement in related activities, revealing that effective educational practices foster a rich learning environment that supports both individual exploration and collaborative learning.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1503142
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: The Role of Teachers in, and the Importance of, Self-Discovery for Developing Science Process Skills
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Iskender+Gelir%22">Iskender Gelir</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4680-4402">0000-0003-4680-4402</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Laila+Al-Salmi%22">Laila Al-Salmi</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Early+Years%3A+An+International+Journal+of+Research+and+Development%22"><i>Early Years: An International Journal of Research and Development</i></searchLink>. 2026 46(1):130-145.
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  Data: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Teacher+Role%22">Teacher Role</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Science+Process+Skills%22">Science Process Skills</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Hands+on+Science%22">Hands on Science</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Field+Trips%22">Field Trips</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Relevance+%28Education%29%22">Relevance (Education)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Science+Education%22">Science Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Inquiry%22">Inquiry</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Child+Care+Centers%22">Child Care Centers</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Plants+%28Botany%29%22">Plants (Botany)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Discovery+Learning%22">Discovery Learning</searchLink>
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  Data: This study reports findings from a research project aimed at teaching young children about the growth of palm trees and the climatic conditions necessary for dates to ripen. Grounded in sociocultural theories, which posit that science learning among children is a collective achievement fostered through interactions with adults, this study seeks to illuminate how these interactions can facilitate a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. Utilizing a qualitative research paradigm, this study employs participant observation and video recording as primary data collection methods. Throughout the project, sixteen children engaged in hands-on activities and field trips that provided real-world contexts for learning. Data analysis was conducted using a multimodal approach, examining not only verbal interactions but also non-verbal cues, activities, and the collaborative dynamics between children and adult facilitators. The findings highlight the significant role adults play in nurturing children's science process skills, demonstrating that structured guidance can enhance observational and predictive capabilities. Moreover, the research underscores the importance of children's self-discovery in science learning and their multimodal engagement in related activities, revealing that effective educational practices foster a rich learning environment that supports both individual exploration and collaborative learning.
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        Value: 10.1080/09575146.2025.2496224
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      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 16
        StartPage: 130
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Teacher Role
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Science Process Skills
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Hands on Science
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Field Trips
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      – SubjectFull: Relevance (Education)
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      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
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      – SubjectFull: Science Education
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      – SubjectFull: Inquiry
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Child Care Centers
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Plants (Botany)
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      – SubjectFull: Discovery Learning
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      – SubjectFull: Oman
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      – TitleFull: The Role of Teachers in, and the Importance of, Self-Discovery for Developing Science Process Skills
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            NameFull: Laila Al-Salmi
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              Type: published
              Y: 2026
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