ERIC Number: EJ1021984
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1492-6156
EISSN: N/A
A Time for Change: Advocating for STSE Education through Professional Learning Communities
Pedretti, Erminia; Bellomo, Katherine
Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, v13 n4 p415-437 2013
New science curricula in Ontario position science, technology, society, and environment (STSE) objectives at the fore of all science courses. A professional learning community (PLC) consisting of 24 elementary teachers and a facilitation team was established to assist teachers in meeting the challenges of STSE education. Specifically, we examine (a) teachers' understandings of STSE as they engaged in the PLC and (b) the nature of the PLC that supported their efforts. Findings suggest that PLCs provide a supportive environment for exploring new ideas and practices. STSE was understood to have a range of orientations, and action was viewed as problematic. Theoretical apparatus, strong facilitation, collective capacity, and diverse membership were identified as key aspects of the PLC.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Science Curriculum, Communities of Practice, STEM Education, Technology Education, Educational Theories, Science and Society, Environmental Education, Case Studies, Elementary School Teachers, Facilitators (Individuals), Cognitive Mapping, Teacher Attitudes, Interviews, Empowerment
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A