The vision for science education set forth in "A Framework for K-12 Science Education" (NRC 2012) makes it clear that for today's students to become the scientifically literate citizens of tomorrow their educational experiences must help them become mathematically proficient. "The focus here is on important practices, such as modeling, developing…

Conceptions of mentoring held by six mentors and six beginning science teachers in an alternative certification program were explored qualitatively by means of case studies and phenomenography. Interviews with the six mentors and six beginning teachers produced 379 statements that were grouped into six conceptual categories. The categories of…

While an impressive body of content knowledge is associated with science courses, there is more about the scientific enterprise itself that students should learn. In addition to viewing science as a body of knowledge, students should also view science as a way of thinking and investigating and should have an understanding of how science interacts…

Mentoring is often an important component of alternative certification programs, yet little is known about what novices learn about science teaching through mentoring relationships. This study investigated the advice given by two mentor science teachers to their proteges. Findings indicate that mentors gave more advice related to general…

Describes prospective teachers' conceptions of what one needs to know to be a chemistry teacher at the German gymnasium, and compares their conceptions with those emphasized by the university they attend. Hypothesizes that preservice teachers' conceptions suggest a nested model of knowledge needed for chemistry teaching. (Contains 30 references.)…

Describes a curriculum development project that took place in the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District. Explains what a curriculum guide is and provides a six-step approach to developing guides. (PR)

The authors describe peer coaching as the process of teachers helping each other using techniques based on models of clinical supervision. Presents positive outcomes of peer coaching. Suggests that the professional interaction should involve a preconference, an observation, and a postconference. (five references and an annotated bibliography) (PR)

Provides an overview of factors that affect science learning, including those factors that science teachers can control as well as factors they can influence. Knowledge of these structural and procedural factors can be utilized to improve the learning experiences of students in science classrooms. (JN)

Forty students enrolled in elementary science methods courses were surveyed about their beliefs that lie behind decisions to not join professional science teachers organizations. Generates a first look at why one group of preservice elementary teachers was not interested in NSTA membership. (LZ)

Explores negotiation as a method for overcoming dilemmas discovered in an elementary science methods course designed to promote student independence and reflective thinking regarding science teaching and learning. Focuses on the decision making that emerged from the tension between traditional views and the views considered empowering. (LZ)