ERIC Number: EJ760168
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006-Nov
Pages: 23
Abstractor: Author
Reference Count: 0
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4308
Does One Size Fit All? The Induction Experience of Beginning Science Teachers from Different Teacher-Preparation Programs
Roehrig, Gillian H.; Luft, Julie A.
Journal of Research in Science Teaching, v43 n9 p963-985 Nov 2006
The number of induction programs available to teachers is increasing rapidly, and by necessity these programs are designed to meet the needs of all teachers regardless of their preparation and academic background. This study examines the impact of a science-focused induction program on secondary science teachers from different preparation programs. The 16 teachers were first-year secondary science teachers who graduated the previous year from one of four different teacher-preparation programs. All teachers were monitored during their first year of teaching, as they participated in the induction program, to understand their teaching beliefs, instructional practices, and experiences in the classroom. The analysis of data revealed that the preservice training of a science teacher influenced the type of support the teacher derived from the science-focused induction program. Teachers from a preservice program with an extended student-teaching experience and two science methods courses held beliefs aligned with student-centered practices and implemented more reform-based lessons than did other teachers during the year. This study reinforces the importance of induction programs for teachers and suggests that there is a need for specialized support programs for beginning science teachers. The study also provides specific suggestions for improving the preparation of secondary science teachers.
Descriptors: Beginning Teachers, Beginning Teacher Induction, Science Education, Secondary School Teachers, Science Teachers, Teacher Education Programs, Preservice Teacher Education
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Subscription Department, 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774. Tel: 800-825-7550; Tel: 201-748-6645; Fax: 201-748-6021; e-mail: subinfo@wiley.com; Web site: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/browse/?type=JOURNAL
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Secondary Education
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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