Examines whether an intensive and integrated approach would change preservice teachers' perceptions toward the integration of mathematics and science. Compares the perceptions of preservice teachers in the program with the perceptions of practicing teachers. (YP)

Described is a Master of Science Teaching Degree program which involves the collaboration of seven departments: biology, chemistry and biochemistry, physics, geology, geography, computer science, and mathematics. Degree requirements, course descriptions, and rationale for the program are discussed. (CW)

Described is a university physics course bridging the gap between educational methodology, content, and applications of physics in identifying and resolving both societal and physical problems. Discussed are students' goals, instruction, and evaluation. Provides supporting texts list, a sample schedule, and sample ideas for independent…

Explores the usefulness of the Conceptual Change Model for examining the relationship between the pedagogical experiences provided in a science methods class and preservice elementary teachers' changing concepts about teaching and learning science. A case study format is used to report and discuss findings. (LZ)

Describes the use of the reading reaction sheet as a strategy to help methods students construct meaning about science teaching and learning. This strategy illustrates the integration of reading, writing, and science education and its application to classroom practice. (PR)

Rebuts the case made by Donald Williams in "Making a Case for the Science Specialist." Argues that using science specialists gives the impression that science is only for certain people. Considers points made by preservice teachers in Williams' article concerning attitude, curricular concerns, and teaching science using real-life…

A study of 43 student teachers of science studying lesson planning found that students working in partnership with a supervising teacher achieved 12% higher gains than teachers working entirely at a university and that teachers using computer-mediated delivery achieved 15% higher gains than those using traditional delivery methods. (PEN)

This article reports on reforms of the science education program for prospective physical science teachers in Taiwan and examines their impact on these teachers. The reforms include restructuring the courses in physical science methods, and requiring all prospective teachers to do action research during their one-year full-time teaching practice.…

The inspiration for this paper was a retreat in which education students and professors spent a weekend at a forest preserve, conducting biodiversity studies. Our writing describes the power of our retreat as a scientific, social and pedagogical learning experience. The three authors present our written reflections individually, prefaced by a…

In aiming to create a scientifically literate society, teachers are being asked to present science in a variety of new ways. Science is no longer to be seen primarily as a collection of facts and concepts, but rather, as a process of inquiry and discovery, similar to many of the decisions and actions all people make on a daily basis. The use of…

The purpose of this longitudinal investigation was to assess the nature, development, and changes in preservice secondary science teachers' (n=12) conceptions/knowledge structures of subject matter and pedagogy as they proceeded through a fifth-year Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. Open ended written questionnaires were used in Phase I of…

Microteaching, or peer teaching, is an activity that requires science methods students to plan, teach, and evaluate a particular lesson. The peer teaching activity, although obviously similar to teaching a lesson in a traditional classroom, enables the methods students to teach to a small group of their peers, thus easily receiving constructive…

In February, 1996, representatives of departments of education and major teacher education colleges in 39 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Department of Defense met at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. to identify and discuss issues surrounding the preparation and credentialing of science…

The primary purpose of this descriptive survey study was to compare the research priorities of preservice and inservice elementary teachers. Secondary purposes included (1) determining the research priorities of preservice elementary teachers; (2) investigating the differences in research priorities according to gender; (3) investigating the…

The purpose of this study was to investigate certification requirements for elementary teachers in educational institutions to determine their preparation in science. The amount and types of science content, the science processes and skills, science teaching techniques, and general preparation as an elementary teacher who will need to teach…