Perceptions and Adaptation of Students for Teaching a Credential Program on Socioscientific Issues

• In Event: Teaching Science for Citizenship, Agency, and Sociopolitical Action

Abstract

The purpose of study was to examine the perceptions of students for teaching credential program on SSI, of adaptation SSI into the science curriculum, and of teaching about such issues in their classrooms. Twenty three teaching credential program students were studied over the course of one semester. Participants (58% female) completed a questionnaire comprising open-ended questions. Results indicated that participants perceived a need to address SSI positively. Participants had low personal science teaching efficacy beliefs related to teaching about SSI. They perceived the lack of instructional time and the unavailability of relevant materials as the primary obstacles that hindered the teaching of SSI. Implications for science teacher education and the design of curriculum materials in respect to SSI are discussed.

Author

• Yilmaz Kara, California State University - Long Beach