Teachers' Sense of Awe: A Tool for Teaching Science

• In Event: Science Teaching and Learning: Pedagogy

Abstract

Emergent research has documented the power of awe in sparking students’ interest, curiosity, and desire to learn more about the world. Shaped by theories in cognitive development, this study explored science teachers’ perceptions of using awe as a pedagogical tool. To measure perceptions of awe, teachers were administered a survey and asked to reflect on a recent experience that evoked awe. Responses were analyzed for factors related to conceptual definitions of awe. Results revealed that many teacher-identified experiences of awe differ from the descriptions of awe described in the literature that have been associated with increased scientific reasoning, promoting openness to new perspectives, and curiosity. Educational uses of awe in instruction are discussed.

Authors

• Julianna Nieuwsma, North Carolina State University

• M. Gail Jones, North Carolina State University

• Kathryn Rende, North Carolina State University

• Emma Refvem, North Carolina State University

• Sarah J. Carrier, North Carolina State University

• Jill F Grifenhagen, North Carolina State University

• Cesar Delgado, North Carolina State University

• Pamela Huff, North Carolina State University