A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Scientific Literacy Model’s General Science Student Teachers at Rajabhat University in Thailand

Sirapob  Thepphitak; Wirot  Watananimitgul; Areewan  Iamsa-ard; Jittawisut  Wimuttipanya

Authors

Sirapob Thepphitak Ph.D. Candidate in Curriculum and Instruction, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Thailand
Wirot Watananimitgul Faculty of Education, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Thailand.
Areewan Iamsa-ard Faculty of Education, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Thailand.
Jittawisut Wimuttipanya Faculty of Education, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Thailand.

Keywords:

General science student teacher

Abstract

Scientific literacy is acrucial need to apply for understanding phenomenon and problem solving of general science student teachers and necessary to prepare for work in school. This research developed model of scientific literacy of general science student teachers at Rajabhat University, which consisted of 4 components, namely scientific attitude, understanding the nature of science, scientific inquiry ability and application of science to contexts including 12 indicators, and aimed to confirm the model with empirical data. The samples were 400 second-year general science studentteachersof16 Rajabhat Universities, selected by two-stage random sampling. Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire with 36 questions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The research finding revealed that the model of scientific literacy components’general science student teachers was confirmed by the four components. The model was confirmed by the second order CFA which the factors were consistent with empirical data (c²=55.201, df=43, p=0.100, relative c²=1.284, GFI=0.978, AGFI=0.961, NFI=0.987, RMR=0.006, SRMR=0.0251, RMSEA=0.027).In addition, the standardized scores loading of four components were in the range of 0.788-0.860, the AVE was in the range of 0.746-0.878, and the CR was in the range of 0.898-0.951. The highest score loading was the scientific inquiry ability followed by the understanding of the nature of science, application of science to context and scientific attitude (standardized scores loading 0.860, 0.826, 0.8925 and 0.788 respectively). These results employed to develop a scientific literacy test for assessment general science student teachers at Rajabhat University’s skills and develop instructional model for promote their abilities.

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