ERIC Number: EJ1215928
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1046-560X
EISSN: N/A
Learning from a State Professional Development Conference for Science Teachers: Beginning Secondary Science Teachers' Experiences
Navy, Shannon L.; Maeng, Jennifer L.; Bell, Randy L.
Journal of Science Teacher Education, v30 n4 p409-428 2019
Although there is growing understanding of beginning secondary science teacher learning and development in the United States, little is known about their learning experiences at professional development (PD) conferences. To increase knowledge in this area, this study investigated the experiences of 68 beginning secondary science teachers at a state conference for science teachers. Free-choice learning was the theoretical perspective in this qualitative study, and data consisted of surveys, written reflections, interviews, and classroom observations. Findings in the domains of conference experience, alignment, lifelong learning, and classroom implementation suggested that the conference facilitated the beginning science teachers' learning about inquiry, nature of science, and problem-based learning. Additionally, the data revealed that the conference served as a type of differentiated PD as the teachers selected sessions based on personal interests and relevance. Although the beginning teachers were eager to attend future conferences, their desire to present at future conferences was mitigated by their limited years of teaching experience. The participants' positive experiences suggest that teacher educators should encourage new science teachers to attend science teacher conferences, induction specialists should leverage existing conference structures, and policymakers and school division personnel should provide support for beginning teachers to attend conferences. Maximizing the potential of science teacher conferences could provide an efficient form of ongoing, differentiated PD for beginning teachers.
Descriptors: State Programs, Faculty Development, Conferences (Gatherings), Science Teachers, Beginning Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, Secondary School Science, Teaching Experience, Lifelong Learning, Teacher Education Programs, Science Instruction, Learning Experience, Selection, Beginning Teacher Induction
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Innovation and Improvement (ED), Investing in Innovation (i3)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: U396B100039