I'll Tell You About It: Understanding Preservice Teachers' Construction of Scientific Explanations Through Clinical Simulations

• In Event: Science Teaching and Learning: Preservice Teacher Training

Abstract

This study reports on preservice teachers’ construction of scientific explanations through their participation in clinical simulations. Six simulations were constructed that positioned elementary preservice teachers in situations where they were tasked with helping another adult construct an explanation about a scientific phenomenon. Recordings of the simulations were analyzed for the quality of the preservice teachers’ explanations using the Instructional Leadership for Science Practices rubric. Results indicate preservice teachers struggle to help others construct explanations, instead relating their own explanations. Furthermore, those explanations demonstrate a variety of accuracy. Implications arise for teacher educators concerned with creating learning progressions for preservice teachers.

Authors

• Jennifer Heckathorn, Syracuse University

• Sharon Dotger, Syracuse University

• Benjamin H. Dotger, Syracuse University