Difficulties encountered by first-year teachers of science and mathematics; were investigated in this study conducted in May 1981 in Illinois schools as part of a broader study involving teachers in other subject areas as well. A questionnaire was designed and mailed to 138 science and 104 mathematics teachers. Responses were received from 46…

This report describes the kinds of preparation and continual staff development elementary school teachers need to help them acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to foster science learning. In addition, the conditions and support needed to create an environment where good science teaching can flourish are discussed. Chapters included are:…

Reports on the development and implementation of the "Introductory Science Teacher Education" (ISTE) package as a pilot program for preservice science teachers. Demonstrates the significant effect of the ISTE program over traditional methods was that teachers developed a better understanding of the nature of science and acquired more…

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze changes in attitudes towards science in technology-based science content courses for K-8 preservice teachers at Black Hills State University and relate those attitudes to the predominantly female gender of the students enrolled in the class. Given an overwhelmingly female science classroom in…

"Accelerate Online/OPTIONS" is a three component program for certifying secondary mathematics and science teachers in Texas. "Accelerate Online/OPTIONS" provides those possessing or pursuing science degrees with an online program of education that can be completed in 12-18 months. The On-line Curriculum consists of 35 online…

In an effort to develop a contextually-based evaluation of teacher competence, a three-year study was undertaken that focused on the classroom practices of beginning science teachers and beginning science teachers' perceptions and reflections of the teacher competence evaluation. Data related to instructional skills and changes in the growth of…

Presented is a position statement on science preparation for preservice elementary teachers. Areas addressed include: preparation in science content; science teaching methods; field experiences; faculty preparation; facilities, equipment, materials; and professional orientation. A list of recommended standards (intended to provide a framework for…

Describes a study of the teaching behavior of student-teachers of science disciplines during the one-term teaching practice of the English "Post-Graduate Certificate in Education" course. Results suggest that in several behavioral dimensions students and teachers achieve a close match. (HM)

Details the process and results of an action research project that explored children's understandings of why toys move in certain ways. The purpose of the project is to inform tutoring sessions and the classroom practices of student teachers. (DDR)

This paper evaluates a British program in which 20 undergraduate students training to be primary science teachers planned and delivered a science workshop to students with severe and profound learning difficulties. Analysis focuses on comments of the college students both before and after the workshop experience. The experience encouraged student…

Discusses student-teachers' awareness of research and its potential role in their work as teachers, both as methodology for themselves as practicing researchers-in-action and as material developed by others. Some of the influences that led to the rise of the "teachers as researchers" program are included. (KR)

Outlines some strategies used by science teacher educators to train teachers to make laboratory lessons a place for meaningful and useful learning, including content analysis of laboratory manuals, scientific inquiry, flexible organization, concept mapping, Vee heuristics, and inquiry oriented laboratory tests. (YP)

Investigated is the impact on attitudes of prospective elementary school teachers of pragmatic, success-oriented courses in science as prerequisites for entry into science methods courses. A need for exposing prospective teachers to instructional strategies and experiences which are consistent with teaching practices and curricula employed in a…

Describes the activities of the Salish consortium, a group of people who are interested in developing and researching collaborative models of science teacher preparation and development. The consortium will focus on the preparation of science teachers as defined by the emerging U.S. National Science Education Standards and Assessment. (PR)

Presents a feedback approach used by the author to evaluate the degree to which the desired outcomes of a science methods course are met and to clarify students' perceptions about the course. (PR)