The purpose of this study was to identify the personal characteristics of prospective activity-centered elementary science teachers. Having established a method of identifying activity-centered versus textbook-centered teachers, the investigator established two groups respectively, using scores on the Predicted Role Measure (PRM) instrument for…

The methods course presently in operation at Pennyslvania State University is organized around the achievement of performance criteria following a mastery learning model. Although conditions for demonstrating competency are specified by the instructors, students select the means for developing the competencies and follow their own schedule by…

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)

Describes the development, revision, and partial validation of an instrument to assess preservice elementary teachers' process orientation toward science. Suggests that the Process Orientation Toward Science Scale (POTSS) be used as a diagnostic measure of preservice elementary teachers' process orientation toward science and understanding of the…

This paper contains five essays that describe various aspects of a collaboration called the Deans' Forum at the University of Georgia. A group of 30 faculty committed to exploring issues such as the nature and quality of instruction in university courses, course and curriculum design, learning theories relevant to college age learners, the role of…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether reformed science and math courses at community colleges and universities were impacting education majors as they began a teaching career. The reformed courses, in contrast to typical lecture classes, implemented inquiry-based methods that emphasized deep understanding of fundamental science and…

This study investigated the influence of scaffolds on prospective teachers'(PTs') construction of scientific arguments. Participants were enrolled in an innovative science course aimed at providing PTs with experiences learning science using inquiry empowering technologies. PTs' arguments were constructed within the context of a light unit in…

Discusses preparation of secondary school biology teachers in China. Topics addressed include admission, orientation of prospective teachers, scheduling, teacher preparation curriculum, and inservice education. (JN)

Evaluates a new course for prospective elementary teachers entitled Basic Science Skills, designed to give students background in science, to show use of science materials and methods, and to promote positive attitudes toward science and science teaching. Math anxiety is suggested as a confounding factor in interpreting the results. (CS)

Describes a three-phase program of instruction in preservice science teacher education culminating in the actual teaching experience. The science fair is included as an important part of the program. (SA)

Describes Indiana University's elementary science teacher preparation program. The program consists of three elements or streams: (1) content process stream, (2) the planning stream, and (3) practicing field experience stream. A Basic Science Skills course is the first course in the sequence followed by content courses, methods, and early…

Proposes that those who supervise and train science teachers can be better guided by collecting and evaluating data on preservice teachers' changing attitudes toward teaching practices in a hands-on science classroom. Provides an assessment of preservice teachers' attitudes toward selected teaching strategies before and after a field experience.…

Investigates the knowledge of elementary school teacher candidates on rock-cycle processes. Three different instructional interventions were used to improve their knowledge: (1) conceptual-change teaching; (2) traditional didactic teaching; and (3) microteaching. The conceptual-change group showed the most growth in understanding, supporting…

Describes a study that investigated the integration of distance education technologies into a preservice teachers' science methodology course. Highlights include a theoretical framework; effects of prior technology courses; effects of participation on student attitudes regarding the use of distance education technology; and correlations between…

Described is a survey of the topical emphases in the science methods courses of 239 teacher education institutions. A list of the topics and how they were rated is included. Elementary science methods textbooks commonly used are listed. (CW)