Investigation of constructivist science learning environment in Thai primary schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the science learning environment in Thai primary schools by using the Constructivist Learning Environment Survey (CLES) which was originally developed by Taylor and Fraser (1991). Data were collected from 35 grade 5 students of Bannakanlueang School, Phu Wiang District, Khon Kaen province, Thailand by the CLES questionnaire and 10 hours classroom observations. Interviews with 1 participating teacher and the teachers’ profiles were also made. Results from this study can be used planning teachers’ professional development programs. The different cultures and contexts allowed us to learn how the socio cultural view affects classroom learning environments, and to get knowledge base for applying constructivist teaching into classroom. This may has implications for enhancing constructivist teaching in school context.