Ali, Maznah and Ismail, Zurida
(2006)
Comprehension Level Of Non-Technical
Terms In Science: Are We Ready For
Science In English.
The Asia Pacific Journal of Educators and Education (formerly known as Journal of Educators and Education), 21 (1).
pp. 1-11.
ISSN 2289-9057
Abstract
Most students find the learning of science not an easy task. These difficulties
arise not only from the use of symbols to represent concepts, but also the language that
must be mastered, in particular the technical and non-technical vocabulary. Students who
learn science not in their first language face the problem of understanding both the
scientific terminologies (technical terms) and regular explanation of the knowledge itself.
Non-technical vocabulary refers to terms that have one or many meanings in everyday
language but which have a precise and sometimes different meaning in a scientific
context. Studies indicated that technical language of science posed a problem of
familiarity, but students were seen to be able to cope reasonably well with this. Where a
more acute problem lay, was in the use in science of normal, familiar language in a highly
specific, often-changed and unfamiliar way. This paper will present the finding from a
survey that aim at investigating form 4 students' comprehension of common nontechnical terms used in science. Sample consisted of 91 students (form 4 students of
different streams – arts, science and engineering) who were requested to respond to
50-item questionnaire. Facilities index were calculated for each item. Analysis of the
result showed that these students do encounter some difficulties in understanding the
meanings of the non-technical terms.
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