Middle School Science and Mathematics Teachers' Understanding of the Nature of Science: A Two-Year Study

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Multiple Dimensions of Teaching in the Content Area

Abstract

This research study examined middle school science and mathematics teachers’ (N=19) understanding of the nature of science (NOS) as they engaged in a two-year online master’s program that focused on integration of both content areas. This study utilized two NOS instruments to collect data on the teachers’ NOS conceptions. Findings show the teachers’ views of NOS significantly changed after one year of explicit and reflective NOS instruction, but not during the second year of the program. By understanding the NOS understanding of practicing middle school science and math teachers, researchers and teacher educators may gain insight into how to foster, develop, and sustain NOS understanding in preservice and practicing teachers.

Authors

• Sissy S. Wong, University of Houston

• Lionnel Ronduen, University of Houston

• Jennifer Donze, University of Houston

• Uchenna Emenaha, University of Houston