ERIC Number: EJ870111
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Feb
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-0145
EISSN: N/A
Characteristics of Pre-Service Teachers' Online Discourse: The Study of Local Streams
Liang, Ling L.; Ebenezer, Jazlin; Yost, Deborah S.
Journal of Science Education and Technology, v19 n1 p69-79 Feb 2010
This study describes the characteristics of pre-service teachers' discourse on a WebCT Bulletin Board in their investigations of local streams in an integrated mathematics and science course. A qualitative analysis of data revealed that the pre-service teachers conducted collaborative discourse in framing their research questions, conducting research and writing reports. The science teacher educator provided feedback and carefully crafted prompts to help pre-service teachers develop and refine their work. Overall, the online discourse formats enhance out-of-class communication and support collaborative group work. But the discourse on the critical examination of one another's point of views rooted in scientific inquiry appeared to be missing. It is suggested that pre-service teachers should be given more guidance and opportunities in science courses in carrying out scientific discourse that reflects reform-based scientific inquiry.
Descriptors: Feedback (Response), Preservice Teachers, Preservice Teacher Education, Computer Mediated Communication, Discussion Groups, Integrated Learning Systems, Interdisciplinary Approach, Scaffolding (Teaching Technique), Discourse Analysis, Inquiry, Science Instruction, Science Education, Educational Strategies, Instructional Effectiveness, Educational Technology, Teacher Educators, Science Curriculum, College Science, Science Teachers
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A