Poster #28 - A Longitudinal Study of Changes in Secondary Science Teachers' Conceptions of Teaching Science

• In Event: 35.081 - MTCC Poster Session Eight
  In Poster Session: 35.081-3 - Science Teaching and Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

This study examines how science teachers’ conceptions about teaching science change as a result of a university teacher education program, and a year or more of teaching in the classroom. Eight participants were interviewed annually from the beginning of their science teacher education program and through their first year of teaching. Findings suggest that participants shifted understanding of student engagement of science teaching, elevated the role of evidence in judging successful teaching, and over time drew upon a more sophisticated understanding of the role of the production of scientific knowledge. The present study suggests that the development of science teachers’ internal consistency within their ideas about teaching science may be a productive way to support novice science teachers.

Authors

• Douglas B. Larkin, Montclair State University

• Adria Janna Dwyer, Montclair State University

• Liz Carletta, Montclair State University