ERIC Number: EJ1125197
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Jan
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1082-3301
EISSN: N/A
Attitudes and Beliefs of Prekindergarten Teachers toward Teaching Science to Young Children
Pendergast, Evelaine; Lieberman-Betz, Rebecca G.; Vail, Cynthia O.
Early Childhood Education Journal, v45 n1 p43-52 Jan 2017
This study explored infield prekindergarten teachers' attitudes and beliefs toward teaching science to young children. In addition, prekindergarten teachers' previous and future interests in science-related professional development were assessed. Data were collected through a self-report measure, the preschool teacher attitudes and beliefs toward science. The sample consisted of 112 prekindergarten teachers. Findings suggest prekindergarten teachers may be more comfortable with conducting and integrating science activities and understanding the benefits of science for young children's global development than previously thought. However, teachers continue to indicate feelings of inadequacy and anxiety toward their own science knowledge and ability to support children's scientific learning. Future research should examine additional methods of assessing science teaching in prekindergarten classrooms, such as direct observation, as well as the impact of professional development on attitudes, beliefs, and practices of prekindergarten teachers when teaching science.
Descriptors: Preschool Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Beliefs, Science Instruction, Faculty Development, Attitude Measures, Scientific Attitudes, Science Activities, Knowledge Level, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Self Efficacy
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2189
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Preschool Education; Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A