Focuses on the behaviors and experiences of beginning teachers as they face the task of teaching science on a regular and extended basis for the first time. Finds that experiencing success appeared to be a major contribution to effective science teaching by beginning teachers. (Contains 31 references.) (WRM)

Describes a case study of one teacher's interpretation of "inquiry science teaching" in her fourth grade classroom. Finds that the collaborative development of inquiry teaching that worked for this instructor was a delicate process of the negotiation of meanings for inquiry. (Contains 20 references.) (WRM)

Discusses an innovative process that was used for engaging prospective teachers in collaboration and reflection on their learning as they developed a multi-media portfolio. (Contains 15 references.) (WRM)

Concerns perceptions held by prospective teachers about an experimental science content course. A phenomenological perspective guides the study's design. Phenomenological inquiry is the search for the understandings and meanings that the involved participants hold about an object, person, or situation. (SAH)

Focuses on two aspects of the use of concept cartoons in preservice science teacher education: evaluating their use as a teaching and learning approach, and challenging student teachers' perceptions of how constructivist principles might be implemented in the classroom. (SAH)

Discusses the use of rubrics in one preservice secondary science teacher methods course. Defines the term 'rubric' and provides a rationale for using rubrics. Discusses how rubrics were used in one science methods course and concludes with comments about the possible benefits and detriments of using rubrics in science education courses. (SAH)

Examines three questions: (1) What are science teachers' belief-based affects concerning the implementation of thematic instruction in the classroom; (2) Do teachers' belief-based affects influence their intent to implement thematic instruction; and (3) Are there any relationships between demographic variables and model variables? (SAH)

Describes the Future Teachers' Research Program (FTRP), the several strategies that were employed for exploring its impact, and the results of those investigations. The program has been operating since 1990, offering the opportunity to explore how research experiences contribute to teacher preparation and whether that research experience enhances…

Explains what collaboration in education means and presents a study conducted in an interdisciplinary course in which preservice teachers were responsible for developing a CD-ROM on Cystic Fibrosis that was to be used by upper middle grade students. Discusses the impact of the interdisciplinary collaboration on student learning. (YDS)

Explains the relationship between middle school practices and teachers' self-efficacy beliefs. Studies the differences in science teacher efficacy and outcome expectancy, and compares teachers' self efficacy levels in middle and junior high schools. (Contains 57 references.) (YDS)

Studies elementary and middle school students' understanding of scientists and doing science in school by using the Draw-A-Scientist Test (DAST). Recommends creating opportunities for students to see scientists in different settings and roles. (Contains 23 references.) (YDS)

Introduces a project called Teaching Elementary Physical Science (TEPS) which targets the improvement of elementary school science. Uses a cross-level mentoring approach between elementary and secondary school science teachers. Recommends providing opportunities to elementary school teachers to acquire specific teaching skills and self-confidence.…

Discusses gender issues in science education and argues that teachers are not using appropriate teaching strategies to provide gender equity in their classrooms. Presents a study focusing on science teachers' perceptions of gender and science instruction and the cooperating teacher's role in the student teaching practicum. (Contains 46…

Explains what inquiry-based science instruction means and points out the difficulty of creating this kind of instruction for teachers who are inexperienced in teaching. Presents a case study of a preservice teacher who explored whether it is realistic to expect preservice teachers to create and carry out an inquiry-based classroom. (Contains 38…

Presents a graduate course targeting the improvement of teaching and learning with regard to professional development. Argues that practicing teachers need opportunities to interact with one another and other individuals in the research community. Examines how private research and development works. (Contains 23 references.) (YDS)