This study examined preservice teachers' understanding of the syntactic structures of inquiry; in particular, what it means to give priority to evidence and how to use evidence to construct explanations. Data were collected from student journals, the course syllabus, the assignment description, and weekly lesson plans. The use of content analysis…

Examines the most common constraints preservice teachers perceive about teaching science, the locus of control for these constraints, and strategies for overcoming the five most common constraints so that teachers can resolve feelings of powerlessness. Constraints include time allotted, financial resources, curriculum standards, peer pressure to…

Reports on a study undertaken to validate the practicality of using the Constructivist Learning Environment Survey (Perceived Form) (CLES) in a preservice elementary science methods course. Suggestions are made to potentially revise the CLES for more accurate measures in college classrooms. (LZ)

Explores student attitudes toward and expectations about a science methods course. Science-teaching skills associated with personal survival were prominent both in the expectations of the prospective teachers and in what they valued from such a course. Focus on personal concerns made a difference in the confidence with which teachers approach…

Methods courses in teacher education programs have made a transition in the last years toward field-based experiences as part of the preparation for teaching science in the elementary school. However, little conclusive evidence exists as to any desirable influence field experiences are having on science teaching attitudes and learning. The purpose…