Results of a previous study indicated no difference in preservice teacher attitude/achievement using lecture/inquiry approaches. This study was replicated, also examining effects of sex and students' (N=471) previous science training. Although results for science understanding were not significant, analysis of attitude change indicates that…

Interpretive analysis of preservice teachers' writings and discussions during an elementary-science methods course identified the teachers' positivist views of knowledge, learning, and teaching as prominent tools for guiding understanding of and reaction to ideas of teaching science to diverse student populations. Discusses the impact on teachers'…

Reports on the development and implementation of the "Introductory Science Teacher Education" (ISTE) package as a pilot program for preservice science teachers. Demonstrates the significant effect of the ISTE program over traditional methods was that teachers developed a better understanding of the nature of science and acquired more…

The impact of field experience on attitudes toward science and science teaching of 80 prospective elementary teachers at East Carolina University was investigated. (HM)

Outlines some strategies used by science teacher educators to train teachers to make laboratory lessons a place for meaningful and useful learning, including content analysis of laboratory manuals, scientific inquiry, flexible organization, concept mapping, Vee heuristics, and inquiry oriented laboratory tests. (YP)

Investigated is the impact on attitudes of prospective elementary school teachers of pragmatic, success-oriented courses in science as prerequisites for entry into science methods courses. A need for exposing prospective teachers to instructional strategies and experiences which are consistent with teaching practices and curricula employed in a…

Reports on a study which gathered demographic data about New England elementary science methods faculty. Summarizes findings about each faculty member's professional preparation, related work-load responsibilities, and elementary teaching experience as well as other demographic data. Discusses criteria for a model elementary science methods…

Discusses a study which was designed to examine if spatial-visual skills are related to learning the volume concept and if a particular mode of presentation for teaching volume is preferable for students of differing spatial ability. Results indicate that students of low visual orientation benefit if volume is taught before area and length. (ML)

Reports a study designed to gather demographic data about New England teacher education institutions concerning science content, science processes and methods, science teaching techniques, effectiveness of science preparation, and general preparation of elementary science teachers. Compares findings with a nationwide survey. (ML)

Reviews research conducted between 1966 and 1978 dealing with changing the attitude of preservice elementary teachers toward science and science teachers. Categories of research discussed include elementary science methods courses, micro-teaching, audio-tutorial and self-paced learning, various approaches (humanistic, inquiry, inductive-deductive,…

Investigates and substantiates the effectiveness of the peer teaching approach on the ability of preservice elementary teachers (N=60) to acquire concepts selected from the Elementary Science Methodology Course and on their attitudes towards science and elementary school science. (CS)

Reports on a study to determine the interaction effects of selected personality characteristics, science achievement, and two classroom climates, one which encouraged discovery learning and one that did not. Demonstrated that student achievement is influenced by dynamic interactions within classrooms. (TW)

Qualitatively studied the transfer of skills and perceptions developed in microteaching to the student teaching experience (n=17) and any changes in these skills and concerns throughout the duration of student teaching (n=6). Analysis of the data indicated 17 categories of subjects' perceptions, concerns, etc. (PR)

Investigates the effect of intensive instruction in cue attendance upon the ability of preservice elementary science methods students to solve paper-and-pencil reasoning tests that require a form of formal operation thought. (Author/HM)

Discusses results obtained through interviews with university science teachers with regard to their philosophies and practices in college science classrooms. Data revealed that teachers are not satisfied with all aspects of their teaching; however, they are not sure how to make changes that would maximize student learning. (ZWH)