Examining Museum-Based Professional Development Aligned With the Next Generation Science Standards

• In Event: Novel Approaches to Professional Learning for STEM Teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in teachers’ attitudes and behaviors towards science instruction and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) during participation in a Museum-based professional development program. A blend of the dimensions of attitude toward science instrument and a survey tool for the age of NGSS was administered, using a pre/post design, to 99 primary school teachers participating in two courses on biology and environmental science topics. Teachers participating in the courses showed significant changes in their attitudes and behaviors towards teaching science. However, teachers showed no significant changes in their understanding around implementing NGSS aligned instruction in the classroom. Results suggest that integrating NGSS into PD may require modeling NGSS strategies into PD opportunities.

Authors

• Gauri A. Vaishampayan, Museum of Science and Industry - Chicago

• C. Aaron Price, Museum of Science and Industry - Chicago

• Ashley Chiu, Museum of Science and Industry - Chicago