This mixed-methods investigation compared the relative impacts of instructional approach and context of nature of science instruction on preservice elementary teachers' understandings. The sample consisted of 75 preservice teachers enrolled in four sections of an elementary science methods course. Independent variables included instructional…

The purpose of this phenomenographic study was to: (a) gain an understanding of the meaning of inquiry held by beginning science teachers and their instructors in an Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP); and (b) compare science teachers' views of inquiry with what they learned in their ATCP. Participants were four beginning science…

Prospective elementary school teachers presented with a persuasive article advocating the use of discovery techniques in science teaching and presenting science as a "dynamic, analytical, flexible way" of problem solving scored higher on a post-test science attitude instrument than a control group who read an unrelated passage. Role playing did…

This study explored the dynamics of power relationships in secondary science methods courses taught at an urban university in Southern California for credential candidates. Data collection extended over 10 academic semesters. Employing frameworks of power, self-study, and critical pedagogy, the study analyzes the multifaceted and intricate roads…

Investigated was the influence of instruction in process skills on preservice teacher achievement, attitude toward process skills, and their use of process objectives and activities in lesson plans. Results indicated preservice teachers receiving process skill instruction improved in all areas relating to process education. (SL)

Assessed the effectiveness of conducting an elementary science methods course based on the Concerns Based Adoption Model (CBAM) on the concerns and attitudes of 85 preservice elementary teachers. Results indicate that neither traditional nor CBAM methods courses proved superior in affecting concerns or attitudes of the preservice teachers.…

Attitudes toward science, process skills knowledge and self-concept were all found to be significantly intercorrelated; self concept was the only predictor of achievement. (CP)

Seventy-six undergraduate students in an introductory science methods class for prospective teachers were randomly assigned to either a student directed or an instructor directed section. Using analysis of variance, it appeared that neither approach had an overall advantage in the attainment of course objectives, although interaction patterns…

Investigates the effects of a humanistic teaching-learning environment on the attitudes of preservice teachers and attempts to determine whether activities designed to clarify attitudes are useful in improving attitudes toward science. Participants in the study were 134 preservice teachers. Findings revealed that the humanistic environment was…

Investigates the relationship between dogmatism (inversely related to open-mindedness) and attitudes toward science of preservice elementary school teachers. Both groups had experienced an inquiry oriented science methods course. Significant negative correlations between dogmatism and attitudes were found for both groups. (CP)

Ascertained were the effects of an individualized instruction method, audiotutorial (AT), on the cognitive achievement in biology of prospective general primary grade teachers. Used as a control was a conventional lecture-laboratory format of instruction. Results indicate that the prospective teachers appeared to gain more from AT instruction than…

The philosophical viewpoints of 56 preservice elementary school teachers were measured prior to and following a fourteen-week methods course. Following treatment, subjects viewed science as more tentative and uncertain than did those in a control group. (CP)

Compared are elementary teacher methods courses differing in the amount of field experience with specific teaching behaviors involving the ability to teach activity-oriented or experiential science. Results include the finding that field experience effects a major difference in the ability to model specific teaching behaviors. (CS)