Learning to Wrestle With Uncertainty: The Development of Teachers' Perseverance Within Scientific Research

• In Event: Science Teaching and Learning: Teacher Knowledge and Attitudes

Abstract

As current efforts in science education increasingly focus on providing students with opportunities to wrestle with uncertainty in science learning, it is important that teachers also be provided experiences with navigating uncertainty in science. Such experiences would then position them to better support their students to navigate and persevere when encountering uncertainty. This study examines the ways in which four elementary teachers describe and reflect upon their experiences of uncertainty within the context of a six-week research experience at a national science laboratory. Through analysis of semi-structured interviews, we shed light on the ways in which teachers encountered uncertainty in science research and we explore the resources that supported their development of perseverance through uncertainty.

Authors

• Shannon Gooden Davidson, Florida State University

• Lama Ziad Jaber, Florida State University

• Sherry A. Southerland, Florida State University