ERIC Number: EJ984647
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1492-6156
EISSN: N/A
Encouraging Uncertainty in the "Scientific Method": Promoting Understanding in the Processes of Science with Preservice Teachers
Melville, Wayne; Bartley, Anthony; Fazio, Xavier
Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, v12 n2 p214-228 2012
Teachers' feelings of uncertainty are an overlooked, though crucial, condition necessary for the promotion of educational change. This article investigates the feelings of uncertainty that preservice teachers have toward the conduct of science as inquiry and the extent to which methods courses can confront and embrace those uncertainties. Our work indicates that veneers of certainty exist at both the personal and institutional level and that by challenging these certainties throughout the methods courses, opportunities can be opened for preservice teachers to understand, and engage with, the teaching of science as inquiry. We conclude this article by offering implications for further research.
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Educational Change, Science Instruction, Scientific Methodology, Preservice Teachers, Formative Evaluation, Summative Evaluation, Science Education, Inquiry, Science Curriculum, Foreign Countries, Secondary School Science, Questionnaires
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A