ERIC Number: EJ1475397
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2148-9955
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Exploring the Science Teacher Identity of Elementary Pre-Service Teachers in a Science Method Course: A Mixed Methods Study
International Journal of Research in Education and Science, v11 n2 p247-263 2025
This study explores the science teacher identities of 35 elementary pre-service teachers enrolled in an elementary science methods course in the third year of their professional coursework. Using an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach, this research answered two research questions: How do pre-service teachers view themselves as science educators, and what factors affect their science teacher identity during science methods courses? Data was collected using a survey that included an adapted version of the McDonalds et al. (2019) STEM professional identity overlap (STEM-PIO) instrument. This instrument featured both quantitative components (a single-item pictorial response scale) and qualitative elements (two open-ended questions). Findings revealed that most participants (69%) perceived themselves as possessing a partial alignment between their self-image and that of a science teacher. Further results indicate that instructional experiences that prepare pre-service teachers for science instruction within a methods class play a significant role in shaping their identity as science teachers. This research is crucial for researchers and teacher education to understand the factors responsible for the development of pre-service teachers' science identity as it pertains to a science methods class.
Descriptors: Science Teachers, Self Concept, Professional Identity, Elementary School Teachers, Preservice Teachers, Student Attitudes, Measures (Individuals), Methods Courses, Teacher Education Programs, Science Instruction
International Society for Technology, Education, and Science. e-mail: ijresoffice@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.ijres.net/index.php/ijres
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A