Understanding how and why science works is a major goal of science education. The aim of this article is to analyze the influence of a research experience in real science contexts, in the thinking and practice of preservice elementary teachers regarding inquiry and nature of science teaching. An in-depth case study which highlights the affordances…

Recognizing, building, describing, extending, and analyzing patterns are key components of algebraic reasoning. Oftentimes pattern-based instruction is used to support the understanding of functions and variables. In this study, elementary preservice teachers (n = 23) were asked to explore, extend, explain, create equations for, and analyze…

This study contributes to the growing body of research on the role of crosscutting concepts (CCCs) in three-dimensional teaching and learning by examining the complexity of elementary preservice teachers' (PSTs) knowledge for teaching related to CCCs. The researchers used qualitative methods to analyze PSTs' responses to a questionnaire about CCCs…

In this study the researcher seeks to address the national problem of exorbitant financial commitments to math proficiency that still leaves elementary schools failing to meet with success on state assessments. The researcher examines the scope of teacher preparation within mathematics, both at the pre-service and in-service level which…

This research analyzes the effect of the implementation of citizen science activities in the Environmental Education (EE) subject program of the Degree in Primary Education applying Experiential Learning Theory. Environmental Attitudes Inventory (EAI) was used to measure the change in environmental attitudes (EA) of 173 preservice teachers through…

A growing consensus holds that preservice K-8 teachers (PSTs) need to experience the modeling process as learners to understand it and envision teaching modeling in their future classrooms. We examine this recommendation by exploring how PSTs construct models and how collaborative learning practices influence them in revising and refining their…

This research aimed to 1) study the factors that affect third-year undergraduate students' creative thinking ability at Baise University, 2) develop an instructional model based on design thinking and brainstorming, 3) compare third-year undergraduate students' creative thinking ability before and after using the instructional model based on…

In our mathematics methods courses for elementary preservice teachers, we work to uncover and confront students' understandings as well as misconceptions about important mathematical topics. Karp and colleagues' ("Teaching Children Mathematics", 21(1), 18-25) "13 Rules That Expire" article has been a useful resource for us to…

As democracies have deteriorated worldwide, understanding preservice teachers' perceptions regarding teaching about the 2020 US presidential election helps teacher educators better guide them to make informed and intentional pedagogical decisions for democratic education. Through a survey study, we found that early childhood and elementary…

This research aimed to examine the impact of argumentation-based chemistry instruction on the argumentation self-efficacy of pre-service teachers' (PSTs') and their perceptions regarding the effectiveness of this instruction on their argumentation self-efficacy. This exploratory study involved a cohort of PSTs who actively participated in a series…

This dissertation explores the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and WIDA frameworks by elementary education teacher candidates during their internships in classrooms characterized by the presence of Multilingual Learners (MLLs). This embedded case study focuses on the Spring and Fall cohorts of 2023, particularly focusing on…

Environmental education across the K-12 science curriculum lacks critical examination of human and ecological relationships, particularly in relation to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. While the "Next Generation Science Standards" include environmental topics within their disciplinary core ideas and…

Research about the preparation of preservice teachers for inclusive teaching has tended to use quantitative approaches, such as surveys, to investigate ways to better prepare preservice teachers. Further, studies to date have tended to examine the attitudes of preservice and experienced teachers. This paper presents the findings of interviews with…

In response to increased accountability demands placed on teacher preparation programs across the United States, some programs are using standardized teacher performance assessments, such as edTPA. In our elementary teacher preparation program, a recent state mandate stipulated that teacher candidates had to successfully complete edTPA in order to…

This qualitative study examines first-year teacher candidates early field experience designing and implementing maker workshops for an afterschool program. The maker workshops were offered as part of a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) enrichment club at a local elementary school. The participants engaged in 50 hr of…