ERIC Number: EJ1015830
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Mar
Pages: 27
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2077-2327
EISSN: N/A
Using the Notion of "Wonder" to Develop Positive Conceptions of Science with Future Primary Teachers
Gilbert, Andrew
Science Education International, v24 n1 p6-32 Mar 2013
A common challenge for many primary pre-service teacher educators is to rekindle interest in science content with future teachers who often express a lifetime of negative associations with school science. This pilot study investigated if the notion of wonder could be utilized with preservice teachers as a vehicle to develop more positive conceptions of science as an answer to our current "crisis of interest" as described by Tytler (2007). Findings suggested the use of a wonder framework generated an increased interest and more positive views regarding science content. Key student cases demonstrated a shift in desire to learn science content that they had claimed to detest before engaging in the experiences related to the study. In all, the results of utilizing a wonder framework with adult students offered promising results. This study further argues that we may need to conceptualize school science as not just a way to understand the world but also to clearly demonstrate that it is a field of inquiry that is sustained by mystery, beauty and wonder. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Preservice Teachers, Student Teacher Attitudes, Elementary School Science, Elementary School Teachers, Science Instruction, Concept Formation, Student Interests, Science Interests, Aesthetics, Teaching Methods, Case Studies, Student Projects, Reflection, Semi Structured Interviews, Scientific Concepts, Qualitative Research, Inquiry
International Council of Associations for Science Education. Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Education, Buca, Izmir 35150, Turkey. Tel: +90-532-4267927; Fax: +90-232-4204895; Web site: http://icaseonline.net
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A