The Next Generation Science Standards list scientific argumentation as one of the essential skills for students in K-12 education. Unfortunately, many teachers enter the classrooms without sufficient experiences with or knowledge of, this skill. A discourse analysis of twenty-one preservice teachers was conducted to study how preservice teachers…

This paper describes the use of a three-circle Venn diagram as a vehicle for introducing pre-service elementary teachers to pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). Each circle of the diagram represents pedagogy, content and context individually. The overlap of any two circles represents the interaction between the circles. For example, the overlap of…

While some researchers have argued for science classrooms that embrace open-inquiry by engaging students in doing science as scientists do (cf. National Research Council [NRC] 1996; Driver et al. in "Sci Educ" 84:287-312, 2000; Windschitl et al. in "Sci Educ" 87(1):112-143, 2008), others have argued that open-inquiry is impractical, ineffective,…

The purpose of the present work is to describe the progression in the conceptions of prospective primary teachers about school science content while they were participating in three teacher education courses following the same constructivist oriented strategy. The participants' written output was analyzed in various categories--selection of…

This mixed methodology action research study examined the impact of a curricular innovation designed to provide an authentic science inquiry learning experience for 15 secondary science teacher candidates enrolled in a master's level initial certification program. The class investigated the question "How can peak autumn color in New England…

The study explored the influence of university-based teacher education courses on pre-service middle and high school teachers' experiences with multicultural themes in a secondary science alternative certification program. Eight participants (N = 8), six women and two men, volunteered to be a part of the study that took place over a period of four…

This paper suggests that creativity development among teachers can be an alternative approach towards teaching for hands-on and process science. Describes a course to prepare student teachers to move toward a student-oriented approach which focuses specifically on the development of creativity. (LZ)

Analyzes problems with traditional teacher education, reviews the basic elements of the constructivist learning views, and discusses the advantages of a constructivist approach to science teacher education. (PR)

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)

Describes Pedagogical Content Knowledge and focuses on the empirical research directly concerned with the relationship between science teachers' subject matter knowledge or structures and actual classroom practice. Concludes there is little evidence that a relationship exists. (PR)

Describes the use and benefits of using videotaping in a preservice education program. (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)

Investigates the use of collaborative learning groups in a physical science course designed for elementary education majors (n=54). Data for the study were 20 video-taped laboratory sessions, the instructor's journal, and the students laboratory reports. Among the conclusions is that the collaborative science laboratories provided insightful…

Describes the needs of elementary science teachers and presents a program model for preservice science teacher education. Discusses developing attitudes, skills, and knowledge. (PR)

Broadens the perspective taken by preservice and inservice teachers on the importance of science to the elementary school student. Helps education students consider the importance of science education for jobs. (PR)