This module, one in a series of science modules (Appendix A) designed for use in a science methods course research project at Central Michigan University, emphasizes classroom management skills. All of the modules are part of a project aimed at developing, evaluating, and revising competency-based materials for use in science methods education for…

Explains the rationale and goals for a physical science course for elementary education majors. Components include: presentation of a science lesson from one of the elementary science programs; hands-on experience with lessons taught by other students; and incorporation of current science-technology-society problems into discussions. Results from…

This paper examines how three preservice teachers, who previously worked in science-related fields, confronted barriers in the process of becoming science teachers. Many of the barriers these teachers faced were similar to the barriers that more traditional teacher education candidates faced, but they also faced some barriers that were less common…

Describes an activity used in the science methods class at the University of Wisconsin to bring preservice elementary teachers into appropriate contact with children and to give them the opportunity to try out a variety of materials and activities from the newer elementary science curricula. (JR)

Analyzes demographic data about secondary science methods faculty regarding the faculty member's professional preparation, content of the methods course, secondary teaching experience, and information about the individual. Some implications for teacher education are included. (YP)

Reports on one rigorous evaluation and search for desired components of a science methods course at a large state university. Student evaluations of assignments are used to rate them for effectiveness. Provides a model for other instructors interested in course evaluation. (LZ)

Explores negotiation as a method for overcoming dilemmas discovered in an elementary science methods course designed to promote student independence and reflective thinking regarding science teaching and learning. Focuses on the decision making that emerged from the tension between traditional views and the views considered empowering. (LZ)

Describes an integrated methods course in a small university, including evolution of the course, topics covered, descriptions of student assignments and activities, procedures used in student evaluation, and student opinions of the integrated course. An appendix contains the outline of topics and student activities. (15 references) (Author/MKR)

Examines the most common constraints preservice teachers perceive about teaching science, the locus of control for these constraints, and strategies for overcoming the five most common constraints so that teachers can resolve feelings of powerlessness. Constraints include time allotted, financial resources, curriculum standards, peer pressure to…

This study examined preservice teachers' understanding of, and processes when, designing instruction. Participants were 47 juniors and seniors enrolled in science methods courses. Qualitative methods and analysis of written reflections and interviews revealed the beliefs and views the preservice teachers had about planning. Findings are as…

Thirty-six students enrolled in an elementary science methods course were randomly selected and given an instrument using Osgood's semantic differential approach the first week of class, the sixth week on campus prior to field experiences, and the thirteenth week following field experiences. The elementary teachers who had observed the university…

The typical approach to the teaching of an elementary school science methods course for undergraduate students was compared with an experimental approach based upon activities appearing in the Conceptually Oriented Program in Elementary Science (COPES) teacher's guides. The typical approach was characterized by a coverage of many topics and a…

Reports on a study of teacher education programs for science teachers in New England. Focuses on data regarding the amount and types of science content and secondary science methods courses, program emphasis in science content, science processes and methods, science teaching techniques, and effectiveness of science preparation. (TW)

Reports no significant differences between the attitudes toward science teaching of students in campus-based and field-based teacher preparation programs. However, field-based teachers (N=39) were significantly more custodial in their pupil control ideology than teachers (N=43) in the campus-based program. (JN)

Discusses the development of and teaching of a physics teacher education course in Iraq. Includes comments on students preparing to become physics teachers and problem/successes associated with the course. (JN)