High Tide, Low Coverage: Correlates of Barriers to Teaching About the Ocean In Science Classrooms

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 3:45pm
  In Poster Session: Making Sense of Complexity in Science Education

Abstract

Despite the ocean’s role in regulating the environment, lack of awareness about the importance of the ocean is prevalent and marine science in marginalized in K-12 education. This study investigates the barriers science teachers face when teaching ocean science. Using survey data from 232 U.S. high school science teachers, hierarchical regression models were used to identify predictors of key barriers. Teachers report that a crowded curriculum and lack of preparation are the greatest barriers. A model predicting teachers' intrinsic concerns proved weak, though teachers in Title 1 schools reported less concerns about backlash. For extrinsic barriers, greater teacher autonomy and teaching in a coastal school significantly predicted lack of support as less of a barrier.

Authors

• Ella Claire Walsh, Boston College

• Laura M. O'Dwyer, Boston College

• Victoria Centurino, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

• Nicholas Bates, Arizona State University - Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

• Sonya Dyhrman, Columbia University

• Sheean Haley, Columbia University