This paper reports about the effect of an innovative, context-based science teaching and learning program on student intrinsic motivation. The intervention aimed at promoting Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) in close collaboration with teachers throughout the academic year by developing and implementing socio-scientific, context-based, innovative, three-stage modules. The Motivational Learning Environment (MoLE) model and questionnaire was used to measure the impact of context-based science modules on the motivation of sixth to eleventh graders at secondary schools in Georgia. Students' wish-to reality-differences data were analyzed concerning the seven dimensions of the Motivational Learning Environment model. As a result of a one-year training program we observed statistically significant differences in two dimensions for the treatment classes (compared to the control classes) in pre-and post-test results. The study suggests more education systems should consider context-based, socio-scientific science teaching as a leading approach to enhance students' motivation and interest in science education.

After the collapse of the former Soviet Union, many Central and Eastern European countries underwent significant change in their political and educational systems, among them Georgia and Moldova. Reforms in education sought to overcome the highly centralized educational system of the former Soviet Union as well as to conquer the teacher-centred paradigm in schools that was both dominant in these countries during pre-and post-Soviet times. National reforms demanded more student-active and problembased science education under the heading of hands-on and inquiry-based learning. Unfortunately, in many cases, the curricula, teaching materials, and teacher training facilities were inadequate in implementing these reforms successfully. In the case of science education, this paper reflects upon how European Union (EU) initiatives can help the countries in Central and Eastern Europe in their reform efforts. Reflection is performed in relation to the cross-regional TEMPUS IV project SALiS (Student Active Learning in Science). SALiS envisages countries strengthening their capacities to promote contemporary science education through investments in science teacher education curricula and infrastructure. The current paper discusses the potential of such EU projects for aiding reform in science education in EU-neighbouring countries.

No abstract

Decreasing motivation in science classes is often reported in many countries. Georgia, one of the post Soviet countries, has overcome the highly centralised educational system and nowadays implements a new national educational reform. National reforms demand more student-active and inquiry-based learning. Many Georgian teachers aren’t ready for these changes and need professional development training to enhance their professional skills in Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE). Therefore Ilia State University offers special continuous professional development (CPD) programs for science teachers in the frame of PROFILES project. The aim of the research was to determine what profession oriented attitudes and concerns Georgian in-service science teachers have regarding IBSE and what changes are visible after the implementation of PROFILES-based CPD programme. In order to conduct the research, the Stages of Concern model was used. 40 teachers took part in the two terms of the CPD programme. Research shows that the implemented CPD programme fosters the professional attitudes and concerns of Georgian science teachers in a positive manner. Therefore, it can be highly recommended to use the framework of the PROFILES-based CPD programme(s). Key words: IBSE, in-service teachers in Georgia, professional development, stages of concern.

Ilia State University (ISU) is one of Georgia's leading universities in teacher education and has taken part in a number of EU funded projects aimed at implementing new approaches to science teaching in Georgia, including those with an inquiry-based science education (IBSE) focus. This chapter gives an overview of the Chain Reaction project in Georgia, including discussion of the teacher professional development scheme, the perceptions of teachers following participation and implementation of the project, and the impact of Chain Reaction on students' motivation and teachers' professional development.