ERIC Number: EJ798804
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1090-185X
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Available Date: N/A
Science Buddies: An Authentic Context for Developing Preservice Teachers' Understandings of Learning, Teaching, and Scientific Inquiry
Moseley, Christine; Ramsey, Sarah J.; Ruff, Kristin
Journal of Elementary Science Education, v16 n2 p1-18 Fall 2004
Methods courses in teacher education programs have made a transition in the last years toward field-based experiences as part of the preparation for teaching science in the elementary school. However, little conclusive evidence exists as to any desirable influence field experiences are having on science teaching attitudes and learning. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the process, discuss the effectiveness and impacts, and highlight the implications of an extended field experience--the Science Buddy Program--on elementary pre-service teachers' learning and conceptualization in the context of science teaching. Results indicate that participation in this field experience that included pre-service teachers facilitating science learning with elementary children was beneficial in the construction of the pedagogical content knowledge of the pre-service teachers. This experience also fostered positive attitudes toward science and science teaching and offered an excellent opportunity for future educators to observe science learning in progress. (Contains 2 notes.)
Descriptors: Preservice Teacher Education, Preservice Teachers, Methods Courses, Field Experience Programs, Program Effectiveness, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Inquiry, Program Evaluation, Elementary School Teachers, Science Education, Elementary School Science, Elementary School Students, Knowledge Base for Teaching, Teamwork
Western Illinois University. Document and Publications Services, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390. Tel: 309-298-1917; Fax: 309-298-2869; e-mail: DPS@wiu.edu; Web site: http://www.wiu.edu/users/jese/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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