Discusses the role of the chemistry teacher impacting elementary science by training elementary teachers. Provides information for a 28-hour hands-on workshop for elementary teachers and lists 47 activities for the teachers. Included topics are food science, observation, liquids, gases, and general chemistry. (MVL)

Several articles explain the integrated interdisciplinary approach used in Hawaii's PETOM (Preservice Education for Teachers of Minorities) program, which prepares educators to teach students of culturally diverse backgrounds. After an overview of PETOM, the articles look at the mathematics, science, art, and social studies modules. (SM)

This study qualitatively investigated preservice science and mathematics teachers' perceptions and concerns about classroom management and discipline (n=16). Results reveal that students do not have a clear understanding of classroom management and therefore look for quick fix solutions to discipline problems. (PR)

Investigates the attitudes of secondary science teachers toward certain National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) standards for secondary science teacher programs. Out of 300 mailed surveys, 123 were returned. It was found that teachers generally supported the standards for their major fields. However, within each field, some areas of study…

The development of the earth science curriculum in the nation's secondary schools led institutions of higher education to develop diverse methods of structuring new earth science courses and to develop new teaching methods for potential earth science teachers. Although numerous guidelines have been developed by experts, little has been done to…

This paper develops the idea of "the authority of experience" to explain the unease about teacher education represented in comments of 19 graduate students enrolled in a preservice physics education methods course which combined on-campus classes and teaching placements. Interviews with the student teachers after the first half of the…

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the field experience component of an undergraduate science methods course for preservice elementary school teachers was effective in: (1) shifting student concerns about science teaching from concerns about themselves to concerns about the impact of inquiry-oriented science programs on pupils;…

A field-based teacher education program that is designed to educate preservice teachers for careers in urban schools is described. In this program preservice elementary school teachers spend two semesters in the classroom with veteran teachers before the traditional student teacher semester. In the second semester of the program, the preservice…

Presents a position statement on preparation of middle/junior high school science teachers. Areas addressed include: preparation in science content; science teaching methods; field experiences and student teaching; faculty preparation; facilities, equipment, materials; and professional orientation. Recommended standards (intended to provide a…

Presents a study to determine the effects of introducing methods students to the "learning cycle" technique on their ability to adapt science textbooks to the method and employ it in their teaching. Interviews of 24 randomly selected students out of 48 participants indicated that 75 percent used the approach while student teaching and…

Reformed preparation of science teachers is indeed vital for the vision of science teaching reform to be accomplished. Typically, a critical component of a preservice science teacher preparation program is the science teaching methods course. The usual intent of this course is to help preservice science students develop an understanding of various…

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…

Explains that many preconceptions and misconceptions ethnically different children bring to science instruction originate in their particular cultural heritage. In many cases these conceptions inhibit or interfere with the learning of scientific concepts. It is advised to impart to teachers with information about this source of difficulties in…

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…

We have been exploring the potential of a web-supported professional development system, the Inquiry Learning Forum (ILF), that integrates videotaped classrooms and discussion forums for use in preservice science methods classrooms. This article examines pre- and inservice teachers' perceptions about using the ILF and how their participation in…