ERIC Number: EJ1011948
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 46
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 109
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0950-0693
Consistencies and Inconsistencies between Science Teachers' Beliefs and Practices
Mansour, Nasser
International Journal of Science Education, v35 n7 p1230-1275 2013
To gain a better understanding of teachers' beliefs about teaching, as compared with their in-reality classroom practices, case studies were constructed with four science teachers in different schools in Egypt. The main aims of this article were to provide an answer to the research question, "To what extent do science teachers' beliefs correspond to their practices?" and to explore the contextual factors that can explain the difference, the consistency or inconsistency, between teachers' beliefs and practices. The study collected data for each teacher using semi-structured interviews, notes taken while observing classes, and teachers' notes, journals, and lesson plans concerned with STS lessons. The data were analysed using the constant comparative method around common themes, which were identified as distinctive features of teachers' beliefs; these same themes were then compared with their practices. Results showed that a few of the in-service science teachers' pedagogical beliefs aligned with constructivist philosophy. Some of the teachers' beliefs were consistent with their practices, especially the traditional beliefs, while some of teachers' practices were conflicted with their beliefs in different contexts. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Science Teachers, Science Instruction, Foreign Countries, Teaching Methods, Case Studies, Beliefs, Teacher Attitudes, Context Effect, Semi Structured Interviews, Observation, Constructivism (Learning), Social Influences, Cultural Influences, Epistemology, Teacher Role, Student Diversity, Physics, Science and Society, Student Role
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: Egypt

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