A study of science teaching insecurity in preservice elementary school teachers (N=56) in Finland is presented. Based upon Maslow's theory of basic needs, it was believed that individuals who feel insecure about science or science teaching cannot function at a higher need level until these insecurities are met. A 20-item instrument was used to…

Investigates teaching propositional logic (hypothesis testing and scientific reasoning) to preservice teachers enrolled in an elementary science method course (n=48). Results indicate that students scored higher on a posttest of the Propositional Logic Test than on the pretest. Authors conclude that even a brief intervention in logic can improve…

A common maxim in the educational profession is that one teaches the way one is taught. Indications are that preservice teachers' beliefs, attitudes, and practices may be linked to previous experiences. Calderhead & Robson (1991) underscored this concern by asserting that teachers use good teachers as models for developing their own images as…

Relationships between students' (N=169) rating of instruction and students' attitudes about inquiry and traditional teaching in elementary science classes were investigated. Since one of the goals of their methods class was to develop or adopt teaching styles on their own, it was hypothesized that the congruence of students' adopted teaching style…

THIS ENGLISH PUBLICATION IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DIRECTION FOR PROSPECTIVE OR PRACTICING TEACHERS IN THE TEACHING OF GENERAL EDUCATION SCIENCE TO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS. IT IS BASED ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT SCIENCE SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED, AND TAUGHT, AS A HUMAN ACTIVITY WHICH EXPLORES THE REALM OF HUMAN EXPERIENCE, MAPS IT METHODICALLY BUT…

PROVIDED IS A COMPILATION OF PAPERS AND REPORTS WHICH WERE PRESENTED AT JOINT SESSIONS OF THE 1966 ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF TEACHERS IN SCIENCE (AETS) AND THE NATIONAL SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION (NSTA). THE PAPERS DISCUSS (1) THE ENTRY INTO THE SCIENCE TEACHING PROFESSION, THE LEGAL VERSUS PROFESSIONAL CRITERIA…

Study investigated whether the use of videotaped models demonstrating effective teaching strategies in an elementary science lesson would promote increased use of effective questioning strategies among preservice teachers (n=38). Results show that the use of the videotaped teaching models increased the use of high-level, divergent,…

Methods courses in teacher education programs have made a transition in the last years toward field-based experiences as part of the preparation for teaching science in the elementary school. However, little conclusive evidence exists as to any desirable influence field experiences are having on science teaching attitudes and learning. The purpose…

Understanding how people learn is the foundation of informed teaching, yet it is difficult for teachers to articulate and effectively use. This study investigated how two preservice teachers' conceptions of learning theories transferred to their decisionmaking during student teaching. This paired-sample case study examined Research-Based Framework…

THIS IS THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHIES WHICH ARE BEING DEVELOPED TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION CONCERNING DOCUMENTS ANALYZED AT THE ERIC INFORMATION ANALYSIS CENTER FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION. REPORTED ARE OVER 120 CITATIONS TO SELECTED DOCUMENTS RELATED TO TEACHER EDUCATION IN SCIENCE EDUCATION. THE DOCUMENTS INCLUDED REPRESENT RESEARCH…

In recent education reform policies of different countries, scientific literacy was set as the national goal for science education. Understanding how science itself and scientists really work, in other words, understanding the nature of science is necessary to reach the desired scientific literacy level. Students also need to understand the…

COMPARED WERE TWO TEACHING METHODS, LECTURE-DEMONSTRATION AND INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION, IN TEACHING A SCIENCE METHODS COURSE FOR PROSPECTIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS. COMPARISONS WERE MADE REGARDING (1) CONFIDENCE TOWARD TEACHING SCIENCE, (2) ATTITUDES TOWARD SCIENCE, (3) ACHIEVEMENT IN SCIENCE, AND (4) STUDENT TEACHING BEHAVIORS IN SCIENCE. THE…

Reports survey results of science teacher preparation to be used to develop National Science Teachers Association standards for preparation/certification. Results focus on elementary, middle/junior high school teacher preparation programs (including methods courses), existing certification requirements, and elementary teachers' descriptions of…

This book describes methods used in the education of science teachers. Chapters in the book and authors are as follows: (1) "Teaching Elementary Teachers How to Use the Learning Cycle for Guided Instruction in Science" (John Staver and Gail Shroyer); (2) "Helping Preservice Teachers Master Authentic Assessment for the Learning Cycle…

This document highlights areas of concern and proposes selected standards which, if implemented, could result in improved teacher preparation in the sciences and, ultimately, in improved learning experiences for children. These standards are intended to provide guidelines to institutions and agencies desiring to achieve minimal levels of quality…