Preservice Teachers' Use of Learning Processes in the Teaching of Science and Mathematics

• In Event: 58.044 - Equitable Instruction Across Content Areas

Abstract

Science and mathematics have similar learning processes which lead to the learning of science and mathematics in the classroom. However, it is not known how preservice teachers use the processes in the teaching of science compared to mathematics. Three hundred and ninety lesson plans written by 113 preservice teachers from 10 sections of a science and mathematics education course were analyzed. Findings show that preservice teachers write lesson plans and teach science differently than mathematics. This includes the separation of cognitive and social learning processes in science compared to mathematics, and the linearity of science problem-solving compared to mathematical problem-solving. These differences may present issues to the learning of science and mathematics, and STEM integration.

Author

• Peter C. Cormas, California University of Pennsylvania