ERIC Number: EJ751980
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006-Jan
Pages: 8
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-6803
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Available Date: N/A
Comparing Science Teaching Styles to Students' Perceptions of Scientists
Finson, Kevin D.; Thomas, Julie; Pedersen, Jon
School Science and Mathematics, v106 n1 p8 Jan 2006
Many educational researchers seem to concur with the idea that, among other factors, the teacher's teaching style has some impact on student learning and the perceptions students develop about science learning and the work of scientists. In this study, nine middle grades teachers' teaching styles were assessed using the Draw-a-Science-Teacher-Teaching Test Checklist (DASTT-C) and categorized along a continuum from didactic to inquiry/constructivist in orientation. Students' (n = 339) perceptions of scientists were determined using the Draw-a-Scientist-Test Checklist (DASTC). Teachers' teaching styles and their students' perceptions of scientists were then compared using nonparametric correlational methods. Results showed that no significant correlation existed between the two measures for the population studied. Although the study provides no understanding about when or how relationships developed between teachers' teaching styles and students' perceptions of scientists, trends in the results give rise to some concerns regarding the preparation of future science teachers and the in-service development of practicing teachers.
Descriptors: Scientists, Teaching Styles, Science Teachers, Constructivism (Learning), Student Attitudes, Teaching Methods, Science Instruction, Secondary School Teachers, Secondary School Science, Check Lists, Comparative Analysis, Self Efficacy, Teacher Effectiveness, Middle School Students
School Science and Mathematics Association. Texas A&M University, TAMU 4232, College Station, TX 77843. Tel: 979-862-8100; e-mail: ssmj@coe.tamu.edu; Web site: http://ssmj.tamu.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A