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ERIC Number: ED651110
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 150
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-5570-7213-7
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Building an Understanding of Elementary Science Teachers' Beliefs about Science Literacy
Brooke Elaine Stebler
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh
This paper provides a case study of two elementary science teachers' perspectives on science literacy and the role a reading specialist can play by providing them with a personalized professional development program. This paper seeks to gain insights into two research questions: (1) What beliefs do two focus third grade teachers hold about science literacy prior to participating in a personalized professional development program related to science literacy? (2) How do the views of these two teachers evolve as a result of participating in a reading specialist-led professional development program? The findings showed that in response to question one, the two teachers held different perspectives: one held a mix of traditional and reformed views, while the other held reformed views. In response to question two, after the personalized professional development program, the views of the more traditional teacher evolved to become reformed, while the teacher who held the more reformed views at the beginning of the study remained consistent in her views. In this study, there was evidence that a reading specialist-led personalized professional development has the potential to support the participating teachers' evolving perspectives of science literacy and foster collaboration to offer support for the improvement of instruction. The study offers an example of the way in which mentoring can beget mentoring within the school community, and highlights the importance of the following aspects for reading specialists who offer personalized professional development to elementary content teachers: (1) "the importance of meeting regularly with the participants," (2) "the importance of ensuring the participants are comfortable teaching," (3) "the importance of frequent follow-ups at the end of the day to ensure the lessons went well and to answer any questions." [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 3; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A