Measuring Science Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Student Ideas About Natural Selection Using a Concept Inventory

• In Event: Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: STEM Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Little research exists that explores science teachers’ awareness and knowledge of their students’ ideas on natural selection. Yet, this aspect of a science teacher’s pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) can be a valuable resource when students learn different science concepts, like natural selection. This study reports the development and implementation of a procedure used to measure this area of PCK by investigating how a group of biology teachers went about predicting what their students’ most common natural selection alternative conceptions were through the use of a concept inventory. Findings from implementing such a procedure revealed potential avenues for future inquiry and the value of having a methodological tool that can capture a vital aspect of a teacher’s PCK.

Authors

• Margaret M. Lucero, Santa Clara University

• Cesar Delgado, The University of Texas - Austin

• Anthony Petrosino, The University of Texas - Austin