A Community of Practice for Elementary Teacher Candidates Learning to Enact Socioscientific Issues-Based Instruction

• In Event: Equitable Science Education for Elementary Schools

Abstract

Socioscientific issues (SSI) have been found to improve scientific literacy skills among K – 12 students. Elementary preservice teachers (PSTs), however, are reluctant to implement SSI due to a lack of confidence. While it has been noted that formal preparation is required for PSTs to feel confident in their abilities to facilitate SSI, little has been done to prepare elementary PSTs to facilitate SSI during field experiences. In this study, we explored how providing formal training in socioscientific issues (SSI)-focused instruction through a community of practice (CoP) influenced elementary PSTs’ transfer of SSI understanding to practice. Findings suggest the supportive nature of a CoP as influential in improving elementary PSTs’ confidence and abilities to enact SSI-focused lessons.

Authors

• Melanie Elizabeth Kinskey, Sam Houston State University

• Margaret Billings Krause, University of South Florida