ERIC Number: EJ1044960
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0890-6459
EISSN: N/A
Confronting Barriers to Teaching Elementary Science: After-School Science Teaching Experiences for Preservice Teachers
Cartwright, Tina; Smith, Suzanne; Hallar, Brittan
Teacher Education and Practice, v27 n2-3 p464-487 Spr-Sum 2014
This qualitative study examines the transition of eight elementary preservice teachers into student teaching after participating in a science methods course that included a significant amount of teaching after-school science to elementary grade students. These eight participants had a chance to practice teaching inquiry-based science and to reform their own perceptions of science teaching and learning through an eight-week after-school science program situated within their elementary science methods course. Data were collected through observations, reflections, and participant interviews over two academic years, which began with our participants' participation in the science methods course and continued through their student teaching semester. Preservice teachers had more positive ideas about science after participating in the afterschool teaching experience and the science methods course. The changes in their thinking about science instruction gave them added motivation to confront barriers associated with teaching science, which include a lack of confidence in teaching and teaching science, preservice teachers' perceptions of what science is, and classroom constraints. This study promotes one way of enhancing science instruction in the classrooms while also benefitting the community-students and preservice teachers engaging in after-school programs focused on guided-inquiry science teaching.
Descriptors: Barriers, Elementary School Science, Science Instruction, Teaching Experience, Preservice Teachers, After School Programs, Qualitative Research, Methods Courses, Student Teaching, Observation, Reflection, Interviews, Teaching Skills, Change Strategies, Self Efficacy, Classroom Environment, Program Descriptions, Phenomenology, Inquiry, Educational Resources, Student Teacher Attitudes, Classroom Observation Techniques
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1031456