ERIC Number: EJ1022872
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Apr
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-6803
EISSN: N/A
Preparation for Practice: Elementary Preservice Teachers Learning and Using Scientific Classroom Discourse Community Instructional Strategies
Lewis, Elizabeth; Dema, Oxana; Harshbarger, Dena
School Science and Mathematics, v114 n4 p154-165 Apr 2014
Despite historical national efforts to improve elementary science education, science instruction continues to be marginalized, varying by state. This study was designed to address the ongoing challenge of educating elementary preservice teachers (PSTs) to teach science. Elementary PSTs are one of the science education community's major links to schools and science education reform. However, they often lack a strong background in science, knowledge of effective science teaching strategies, and consequently have low confidence and self-efficacy. This investigation explored the initial learning of elementary PSTs using an interdisciplinary model of a scientific classroom discourse community during a science methods course. Findings post-methods course suggested that the PSTs gained confidence in how to teach inquiry-based elementary science and recognized inquiry-based science as an effective means for engaging student learning. Additionally, PSTs embraced the interdisciplinary model as one that benefits students' learning and effectively uses limited time in a school day.
Descriptors: Preservice Teachers, Preservice Teacher Education, Science Instruction, Classroom Communication, Self Efficacy, Elementary School Teachers, Educational Change, Interdisciplinary Approach, Teaching Methods, Inquiry, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Methods Courses, Knowledge Base for Teaching, Discourse Communities
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A