NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ977395
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Jan
Pages: 4
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-8148
EISSN: N/A
Collegiality and Better Science Teaching
Weiser, Brenda
Science and Children, v49 n5 p52-55 Jan 2012
For the past five years, teachers from four Houston-area school districts have joined together in a professional learning community (PLC) to improve their science teaching. Through the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) Regional Collaborative for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching, the teachers strengthen content knowledge and share teaching strategies that they then bring back to their home schools as science teacher mentors. Results for the teachers include increased knowledge on science topics (as measured in pre- and posttests), as well as gains in self-confidence, motivation, and leadership skills. Results for students include involvement in more hands-on and lab-based science to prepare them for middle and high school, as well as improved Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) science scores. In this article, the authors describe how the collaborative works, including its use of the environmental education program Project Learning Tree (PLT) as a thread that connects the collaborative members. They also suggest ideas for teachers who are interested in creating or joining a professional learning community. (Contains 3 online resources.)
National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A