ERIC Number: EJ1218717
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0950-0693
EISSN: N/A
Agency at Work: Two Beginning Science Teachers' Stories in a Context of Curriculum Reform in China
Wei, Bing; Chen, Nan
International Journal of Science Education, v41 n10 p1287-1302 2019
In this study, a sociocultural perspective was adopted to understand the interplay between identity and agency in a context of science education reform in China. The manifestation of agency and the interaction between identity and agency were examined with two beginning science teachers teaching with practical work in high school. As part of this study, the identity formation of beginning science teachers was conceived as a site for locating and investigating teacher agency. Based on multiple data sources, we identified six spaces in which the two participants' agency manifested: (1) personal characteristics; (2) personal beliefs; (3) interactions with students; (4) interactions with colleagues; (5) curriculum materials; and (6) high-stakes examinations. In each space, the two participants' agency contrasted in terms of perspectives and actions: one was passive, less confident and negative, whereas the other active, more confident and positive. Moreover, it was found that their contrary actions were the result of different perspectives. Based on the findings, a model of the interplay between the identity and agency of an individual science teacher is proposed in a context of curriculum reform. The implications of this model for future research and science teacher development are discussed.
Descriptors: Science Teachers, Educational Change, Curriculum Development, Science Instruction, Foreign Countries, Sociocultural Patterns, Self Concept, High School Teachers, Teacher Characteristics, Teacher Attitudes, Teacher Student Relationship, High Stakes Tests, Faculty Development, Physics, Beginning Teachers, Professional Autonomy, Experienced Teachers, Teaching Methods
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: China
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A