Recently, technologies have been increasingly used in the educational context, not only because they facilitate communication and access to information, but also because of their motivational potential. Game-based learning through digital tools such as Kahoot! combines game dynamics with the potential of monitoring student learning. In this sense, this article reports a study carried out in a teacher program, in order to analyze future teachers and teacher educators' perspectives on the use of the game-based learning platform Kahoot!. The participants point out students' greater involvement and participation and the promotion of learning as main advantages of this digital tool.

Gender disparity within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is a persistent global issue, with women being consistently underrepresented. Recent research indicates that inquiry-based practices may enhance students’ interest in STEM careers and challenge gender-related STEM stereotypes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of STEM inquiry-based learning activities on students’ interest in STEM careers, as well as on the social cognitive career theory (SCCT) dimensions (self-efficacy, personal goals, outcome expectations, interests, contextual support, and personal inputs), with a specific focus on gender. A quantitative approach was employed, whereby pre- and post-test measures were administered to a cohort of 190 Portuguese secondary school students, using the STEM Career Interest Survey. The results showed that, while the STEM inquiry-based learning activities did not alter the gender-based patterns of interest in STEM subjects and careers, they did contribute to a significant increase in students’ interest in these areas. It was found that these activities were particularly effective in promoting female students’ interest in STEM careers. A significant increase was observed in all SCCT dimensions, particularly in engineering, for female students. Additionally, no gender disparities were observed in self-efficacy in STEM areas. The results suggest that STEM inquiry-based learning activities are an effective approach to building students’ confidence in STEM fields and stimulating their interest in STEM careers. This study reinforces the importance of inquiry-based practices in promoting a more equitable STEM education landscape.

STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics) education has received great attention in recent years not only for promoting interest and learning in these areas but also for encouraging children and young people to pursue careers in them. This research explored the effects of a STEM program in developing the primary pre-service teachers’ Content Knowledge (CK) and Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) about sound. A qualitative and interpretative study analyzed the impact of a STEM program on the CK and PCK of 18 pre-service primary teachers that were attending a master’s degree program in a Portuguese higher education institution. The data was collected from their lesson plans, field notes, a focus group interview, and participants assignments throughout the STEM activities carried out. Findings revealed several scientific misconceptions and weaknesses in the participants’ PCK. Nevertheless, there was a clear positive impact on pre-service teachers’ CK and PCK, specifically regarding the principles underlying STEM integration that was proposed in the conceptual framework.

There is a consensus that students should be involved in interdisciplinary activities that promote a solid education in STEAM subjects from an early age. The outdoor settings of schools present an advantageous context for STEAM education, allowing for a myriad of learning experiences. To understand how teachers perceive the pedagogical use of the school’s outdoor space, a study was carried out in a cluster of schools in a Portuguese city, including one middle school and 10 kindergarten and elementary schools. A mixed methods approach was used, combining a questionnaire for teachers (N = 49) with interviews (N = 8). The results indicate that teachers’ perceptions of the characteristics of their school’s outdoor spaces either facilitate or hinder the implementation of outdoor pedagogical activities. Most teachers concur that the outdoors provides contact with nature and encourages interdisciplinary and collaborative activities. However, the teachers surveyed admit to using the school’s outdoor spaces only occasionally, and this use decreases as the educational level at which they teach increases. The most common use of outdoor spaces is for physical and motor activities, promoting the well-being of children and youth. Although interdisciplinary activities in outdoor spaces are recognised, their implementation is limited and hampered by factors such as the length of curricula and the lack of training for teachers in these approaches. In this sense, there is an urgent need to train teachers in the interdisciplinary use of outdoor spaces to promote a solid education in STEAM subjects.

Introduction: Science teacher education programs play a crucial role in shaping future educators. Pre-service Teachers’ (PSTs) attitudes toward science and their self-efficacy beliefs are pivotal in determining the extent to which they engage with and benefit from their academic training. The Flipped Classroom Model (FCM) offers a technology-enhanced, student-centered approach with the potential to enhance PSTs’ self-efficacy beliefs and attitudes.Methods: This study explores the effect of an FCM approach in a general science course on the PSTs science teaching self-efficacy beliefs and attitudes toward science. The study used a mixed methods approach with 39 PSTs. The quantitative dimension adopted a semi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group, and qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews.Results: Results suggest that the FCM had a significant effect on PSTs’ science teaching self-efficacy beliefs, particularly in the personal science teaching efficacy, and on their attitudes toward science, particularly in their perceptions of the science teacher. The themes of supportive environment and hands-on activities emerged from the qualitative analysis.Discussion: The implementation features of the FCM, combined with teacher support, appeared to foster a more productive classroom environment that had mobilized multiple sources of self-efficacy. This environment stimulated PSTs’ interest in science and increased their confidence, thereby cultivating a greater sense of investment in their science learning. Incorporating the FCM into teacher education programs offers significant advantages in PSTs’ academic training.

Na última década em Portugal, tem-se assistido a uma mudança nos currículos valorizando o desenvolvimento de competências de conhecimento (substantivo, processual e epistemológico), de comunicação, de raciocínio e atitudinais, e, em particular, nas orientações curriculares dirigidas à avaliação. Neste contexto, pretende-se caracterizar as práticas de avaliação de professores de Ciências físico-químicas do Ensino Básico. Este estudo envolve três professores em início de carreira. A recolha de dados consiste na observação naturalista de aulas, entrevistas semiestruturadas e documentos fornecidos pelos participantes. Todos os professores demonstram dificuldades na avaliação das competências atitudinais e processuais. Apenas um dos participantes elabora registos de observação para avaliar estas competências. Os testes constituem o principal instrumento de avaliação nas aulas dos professores participantes, o que é coerente com uma perspectiva de ensino e aprendizagem ainda marcadamente tradicional.