Reports a study (n=27) concerning the knowledge about image formation exhibited by students following instruction in geometrical optics in an activity-based college physics course for prospective elementary teachers. Student diagrams and verbal comments indicate their knowledge can be described as an intermediate state: a hybridization of…

In this study, the researcher included an extensive science museum experience for the pre-service secondary science teachers within a "teaching methods course" to enhance their learning to teach science. The extensive museum experience covered four aspects: the visit, discussion with museum educators, the development of lesson plans, and…

Inverness Research studied the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) Seminars on Science program for eight years, from its inception in 1998 to 2006. This paper presents teacher survey ratings for Sharks and Rays, along with profiles of three teachers who took the course. Fifteen course takers from nine states who responded to the annual…

Inverness Research studied the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) Seminars on Science program for eight years, from its inception in 1998 to 2006. This paper presents teacher survey ratings for "In the Field with Spiders," along with the profile of a teacher who took the course. Course takers report on the annual follow-up surveys…

This study, conducted at Northeastern Illinois University, examined gender differences in professional goals of 95 degreed, professionally experienced students seeking secondary certification in mathematics and science (50 females and 45 males). An analysis of the stated goals found that all goals could be assigned to the following 10 categories:…

This publication reports on an African regional workshop in Nigeria on training science, technology, and mathematics teachers (STME). The workshop focused specifically on trends in recruitment and evaluation of academic and professional STME teaching staff in colleges of education and on initial training and inservice training for STME teaching…

A report is given on a task force exploration of teacher shortages and surpluses and the effect they have on the quality of teacher education programs. Data are presented for the nation, geographic regions, and 16 states: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon,…

The American Chemical Society (ACS) sponsored a workshop for 32 invited participants to consider chemistry instruction in the kindergarten-through-ninth-grade curricula. This document represents the final report of the conference to the ACS Committee on Chemical Education. An introduction presents an overview of the conference and perspectives on…

Designed to specifically assist science educators and science consultants in the preparation of teachers and for the development of curricula, this yearbook contains resources and ideas addressing the need for science, technology, society (S/T/S) in school science programs. Eleven papers are organized into three thematic sections. Part one focuses…

A group of scientists and science educators at Washington State University has developed and pilot tested an integrated physical science program designed for preservice elementary school teachers. This document is a comprehensive guide to be provided to students in a physical science teaching methods course. Chapters include: (1) "Science as a…

A group of scientists and science educators at Washington State University (WSU) has developed and pilot tested an integrated physical science program designed for preservice elementary school teachers. Courses developed were: (1) fundamentals of astronomy and physics, (2) fundamentals of chemistry and earth sciences, and (3) methods for teaching…

Eight papers presented at an international symposium on teacher education research are featured in this document. Excerpts from the opening speech by Erkki A. Niskanen, Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Helsinki, outline research projects being carried out by teacher educators at the university. A paper by Yrjo Engestrom,…

Five years of data related to teachers' perceptions of learning and knowledge were analyzed to ascertain whether differences existed between preservice elementary and secondary science students (N=435). These data were generated from a questionnaire derived from assumptions about learning and knowledge. The assumptions address five areas of…

Results are reported of an investigation of the relationship between preservice teachers' cognitive developmental level and their ability to teach effectively during student teaching. Other variables, including teacher locus of control, SAT verbal and math scores, and teaching effectiveness, were also examined. Elementary (N=22), middle school…

A logical model derived from Piaget, Gagne, and Ausubel was used to derive eight areas of teaching behaviors. A list of 74 teacher behaviors was generated to match the model. Behaviors were assessed in classroom settings for 150 secondary school mathematics and science student teachers. Paper-and-pencil measures were also employed. Data were…