The Relationship Between Scientific Knowledge, Scientific Attitudes, and Teaching Experience among Malaysian Science Teachers

Abstract

Strengthening scientific literacy among teachers is a critical lever for improving science education quality and achieving national STEM aspirations. In Malaysia, ongoing curriculum reforms and assessment demands heighten the need to understand not only teachers’ factual scientific knowledge but also their scientific attitudes and how these dimensions vary across career stages. This study examines scientific literacy among primary science teachers by focusing on (a) factual scientific knowledge, (b) scientific attitudes, (c) differences in attitudes by teaching experience, and (d) the association between knowledge and attitudes. A structured questionnaire was administered to 59 teachers in Kuala Lumpur, and data were analysed using SPSS (v27). Overall factual knowledge was high, with item-level correct response rates predominantly exceeding 80%. Scientific attitudes were likewise high (M = 4.63, SD = 0.40). A one-way ANOVA indicated significant differences in attitudes across teaching-experience categories, with teachers in the 6–10-year band reporting the lowest mean score (M = 4.40) relative to other groups (M = 4.64–4.80), F (3,55) = 3.30, p = .03. Pearson’s correlation revealed a modest but statistically significant negative relationship between knowledge and attitudes (r = –.319, p = .014). The findings underscore the importance of career stage–responsive professional development, pedagogical approaches that integrate attitudinal objectives with content mastery, and the systematic incorporation of scientific literacy competencies into in-service training.