Assessing elementary pre-service teachers' science content knowledge and teaching efficacy

• In Event: Science Education Oral Session 1

Abstract

It is important for elementary pre-service teachers to have strong science content knowledge as this helps them to become confident and teacher with knowledge who can easily address science misconceptions in classroom. If pre-service teachers lack a firm knowledge and understanding of any science topic he or she is teaching, it may lead to development of misconceptions which is one of the major issues in elementary science teaching and learning. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate elementary pre-service teachers' science content knowledge and teaching readiness. Participants were students enrolled in science methods course for pre-service teachers. Content knowledge pre-posttests based on four science domains: Life Science, Physical Science, Earth, Space Science, and Science and Technology Applications along with pre-post STEM teaching efficacy survey were used to measure the research objectives. The results indicated that the participants increase their knowledge at the end of the semester and also their teaching efficacy was improved in the post survey.

Author

• Mamta Singh, Lamar University