Enhancing students' understanding of aspects of the nature of science (NOS) recommended by the science education community is an important goal of science instruction. This can occur only when teachers are adequately prepared for teaching NOS. However, the science education community is still considering what is needed to enhance the efficiency of…

This qualitative study explored how in a 7-month-long journal club pre- and inservice science teachers engaged with education research literature relevant to their practice to reduce the theory-practice gap. In the journal club they had the opportunity to critique and analyze peer-reviewed science education articles in the context of their…

The purpose of this article was to present an overview of pre-service science teacher preparation in China, which is heavily influenced by Chinese tradition, Confucianism, and rapid social and economic development. The policies, science teacher education systems and related programs jointly contribute to producing enough science teachers for…

This article provides a description of science teacher education policy in Canada and the USA. We focus on qualifications and procedures to obtain an initial teaching license, requirements for license renewal, and trends in our respective countries. In both countries, science teacher education is the responsibility of the province or state, rather…

Synthesizes educational research about learning in interactive science and technology centers, museums, aquaria, and zoos, and distills from it guidelines for science teachers to ensure that class visits enhance the learning for their students. Topics covered include visitor behavior, interacting with exhibits, visit structure, social context,…

Outlines science education reform recommendations and discusses the important role of teachers in the school change process, research on science teaching, role of teacher beliefs in classroom practice, and teacher needs assessments. Uses ideas from teacher training literature to develop a framework of teacher professional development to assist…

Elaborates on four factors that could be considered to hasten real reform in science teacher education, including defining leadership; forming partnerships; utilizing research in science education; and building collaboratives. (LZ)

Describes a qualitative study in which eight elementary school teachers read research articles in children's science and were interviewed. Results fall in three categories: comments relating to the teachers' need to verify the findings of research reports, expressions of self-doubts and questions raised as teachers read the articles, and…

Compares science preparation requirements of preservice elementary teachers with standards set by NSTA. Questionnaire was sent to 321 AACTE institutions. Most colleges do not require recommended 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of science, and only 20 percent of schools have science content courses designed for elementary education majors.…

This study explores how novice teachers make sense of the ways that experienced teachers alter their planned teaching strategies on the fly in response to student feedback during interactive teaching. Analyzes conversations of experienced teachers with novice teachers and discusses differences in their perceptions. (PR)

Reviews trends in science teacher education programs from 1960 to 1990. Concludes that science education programs at colleges and universities are expanding, being newly created, or reinstated after closing 10 years ago. (PR)