ERIC Number: EJ970195
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0126-7663
EISSN: N/A
School-Based Experiences: Developing Primary Science Preservice Teachers' Practices
Hudson, Peter
Journal of Science and Mathematics Education in Southeast Asia, v33 n2 p149-167 2010
Reviews into teacher education emphasise the need for preservice teachers to have more school-based experiences. In this study, a school- based experience was organised within a nine-week science curriculum university unit that allowed preservice teachers' repeated experiences in teaching primary science. This research uses a survey, questionnaire with extended written responses, and researcher observations to investigate preservice teachers' (n=38) learning experiences in two school settings. Survey results indicated that the majority of these preservice teachers either agreed or strongly agreed that school-based experiences developed their: personal-professional skill development (100%); system requirements (range: 81-100%); teaching practices (81-100%); student behaviour management (range: 94-100%); providing student feedback (89-94%); and reflection on practice (92-100%). Qualitative data provided insights into their development particularly for science content knowledge and receiving positive reinforcement on effective teaching behaviours. According to these preservice teachers, the school-based experiences facilitated "teachable moments--having the knowledge or skills to run with students' questions or ideas" and allowed preservice teachers to "critically reflect between groups to make the task flow better". Embedding school-based experiences needs to be part of each and every preservice teacher education unit so preservice teachers can develop confidence, knowledge and skills within authentic school contexts. (Contains 6 tables and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Feedback (Response), Preservice Teacher Education, Teacher Effectiveness, College School Cooperation, Skill Development, Teaching Methods, Science Curriculum, Field Experience Programs, Educational Practices, Preservice Teachers, Teaching Experience, Questionnaires, Learning Experience, Likert Scales, Theory Practice Relationship, Instructional Improvement, Program Improvement
Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Education in Science and Mathematics (SEAMEO RECSAM). Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 11700 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia. Tel: +011-60-4-658-3266; Fax: +011-60-4-657-2541; e-mail: director@recsam.edu.my; Web site: http://www.recsam.edu.my
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A