This study investigates whether elementary science teachers participating in a four-week professional development workshop develop new understandings about classroom discourse and whether they are able to implement strategies toward teaching science as student-to-student discourse. Perspectives and the extent of teacher use of discourse strategies…

The press to integrate mathematics and science comes from researchers, business leaders, and educators, yet research that examines ways to support teachers in relating these disciplines is scant. Using research on science and mathematics professional development, we designed a professional development project to help elementary teachers improve…

This paper examines professional development workshops focused on Connected Math, a particular curriculum utilized or being considered by the middle-school mathematics teachers involved in the study. The hope was that as teachers better understood the curriculum used in their classrooms, i.e., Connected Math, they would simultaneously deepen their…

Reforms in mathematics education call for K-12 teachers to employ standards-based pedagogies, which embody the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics' principles and standards. In order to effectively support teachers' implementation of standards-based curricula, professional development must be provided that meets teachers' needs. The…

This paper examines secondary science teachers' perspectives of the role that mentoring by a scientist and science educator pair played in their professional development. Multiple data sources from three years of a professional development project, including interviews, participant reflections, and a focus group, were used to examine the benefits,…

The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of the Iowa Chautauqua Professional Development Program in terms of changes in concept mastery, use of process skills, application of science concept and skills, student attitudes toward science, student creativity, and student perceptions regarding their science classrooms. Participants…

The effects of a five-day science workshop on the attitudes of elementary school teachers towards science and teaching science were assessed. The study adds evidence to a growing body of knowledge supporting the notion that attitudes can be changed over short periods of time. (MP)

This study highlights the factors that contribute to excellence in urban science teaching as pinpointed by five urban African-American science teachers who have taught successfully in the urban system for over 10 years. These teachers shared their experiences and reflections on the qualities that contributed to their success and persistence as…

Discusses workshops featuring an interactive exhibit program for elementary science teachers. Science is learned in an inquiry-based mode and science teaching props are developed. Describes the interactive science exhibits, needs assessment, and workshop programs. Provides evaluation results of the workshop. (YP)

Explores 19 elementary and five middle school in-service teachers who served as regional leaders to provide 13 two- and four-day workshops for 235 inservice teachers using $30,000 worth of instructional equipment in their classrooms. Lead teachers believed this extensive project made a permanent positive impact on the quality and quantity of…

Suggestions for familiarizing elementary teachers with the use of the metric system are given. These include a "stair-steps" method of converting units within the metric system and estimation and measurement activities using familiar everyday objects. (MN)

In a survey conducted in Iowa, 136 teachers responded to a 52-item questionnaire to evaluate energy education workshops they attended, identify beliefs and practices concerning energy education, and identify perceived knowledge needed in energy education. Materials to create more student involvement in lessons was the top-rated need. (MNS)

Elementary teachers participating in a Cooperative College School Science Program were given attitude questionnaires at several times during a two-year period. Significant improvements in attitudes towards science and science teaching during a 4-week summer workshop were found. (SD)