The rapid development of science and technology has made scientific literacy a key focus in education, with scientific concepts considered central to the development of citizens’ literacy. However, misconceptions hinder the improvement of students’ scientific literacy. Misconception tier diagnostic technologies (MTDTs) provide an effective means for assessing the depth of students’ understanding of concepts. This paper provides a systematic review of research on MTDTs from 1985 to 2024. Following PRISMA standards, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases. The screening process is described in detail, and the selection steps are visually presented. A total of 28 studies were selected, analyzing the development history, effectiveness, and practical application of this technology across various scientific domains. The results show that MTDTs have undergone rigorous reliability and validity assessments, demonstrating high quality. Four-tier diagnostic technology is regarded as the most accurate method for identifying misconceptions. This technology is most widely applied in physics and biology, with relatively fewer applications in geography. Moreover, MTDTs are more commonly used in high school and higher education but are underused in primary education. With ongoing technological advancements, MTDTs are transitioning toward large-scale online applications. The study also reveals that misconceptions are prevalent among students across various educational stages and subjects. However, interventions targeting these misconceptions lack effective validation and systematic empirical research. Future research should focus on these findings to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the sustainable development of education and student literacy.
This study develops and validates a Critical Thinking Disposition (CTD) scale specifically designed for Chinese high school students, addressing the need for assessment tools tailored to this particular demographic. Anchored in Facione's seven-dimensional framework and previous conceptual research, the study employed a rigorous three-phase process-item development, pilot testing, and final validation-using two convenience samples to examine the scale's psychometric properties. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses refined the instrument into a five-dimensional structure: Systematic-analyticity, Open-mindedness, Confidence in Reasoning, Reflective Skepticism, and Truth-seeking. The final model demonstrated optimal fit indices (χ2/df = 2.173, CFI = 0.964, RMSEA = 0.043), confirming its structural stability. In addition, convergent and discriminant validity were supported by Average Variance Extracted (AVE), Composite Reliability (CR), and the Fornell-Larcker criterion. At the same time, internal consistency was evidenced by robust Cronbach's α (0.881) and McDonald's ω (0.908) values for the overall scale. Multi-group CFA further established measurement invariance across gender (ΔCFI <0.01, ΔRMSEA <0.015). Overall, the scale provides a reliable and theoretically grounded instrument for assessing CTD in secondary education contexts, enabling educators to evaluate the CTD of high school students comprehensively.
4 December 2025 in International Journal of Science Education
This study explores sustainable development strategies for folk culture in rural China from the experiencing perspective, aiming to propose practical and context-specific pathways tailored to China's unique conditions. Rooted in rural communities, folk culture represents a significant component of Chinese cultural heritage and holds unique value across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, serving as a vital cultural resource for rural revitalization. However, as urban modernization progresses, folk culture faces challenges in transmission and innovation. By integrating the experiencing perspective with the inheritance and innovation of folk culture, and leveraging the rural revitalization strategy, this research examines sustainable development strategies and proposes multidimensional implementation pathways. These strategies include policy support, educational outreach, digital technology application, and integration with modern industries, promoting the continued transmission and development of folk culture in contemporary society.