scholarly journals An Analysis of Elementary Science Teachers’ Beliefs Regarding Inquiry Science Teaching

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 182
Author(s):  
Eric A. Worch ◽  
Emilio Duran ◽  
Lena B. Duran
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Science Teaching ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Elementary Science ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Sixth Grade ◽  
Inquiry Science ◽  
Effective Teaching Strategies ◽  
Inquiry Science Teaching ◽  
Teachers Beliefs

<p><em>The National Science Teachers Association (2015) recommends that teachers experience science as inquiry as a part of their teacher preparation; however, what assistance can be provided to practicing teachers? This paper describes the results of a professional development program in inquiry science teaching for third through sixth grade teachers and its effects on the participants’ beliefs about the teaching of science. Qualitative data were collected using reflections written by the teachers at the end of the program, lesson summaries completed throughout the program, and observations paired with interviews of teachers implementing inquiry lessons in their own classrooms. The data suggest that the following aspects of the professional development model employed in the study enhanced the participants’ feelings of self-confidence, preparation, and excitement about teaching science to their students: 1) supplying teachers with content/background knowledge, 2) promoting positive experiences with inquiry, 3) providing a chance to implement inquiry lessons in the classroom, 4) facilitating collaboration, and 5) modeling effective teaching strategies. Follow-up studies will include quantitative analyses to further examine teachers’ beliefs, as well as to determine if their beliefs are sustained over time.</em></p>

scholarly journals Unlocking the Power of Inquiry: A Case Study on Elementary Science Professional Development Program

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-85
Author(s):  
Ramla Hozefa Poonawala
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Private School ◽  
Elementary Science ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Science Professional Development ◽  
Workshop Intervention

This study examines the awareness of inquiry based teaching amongst elementary science teachers through a workshop intervention, conducted in a private school in Karachi, Pakistan. The case study design deployed, highlighted the learning experiences of 24 participants that took part in the professional development workshop. A qualitative survey was carried before the intervention followed by focus group discussion, document analysis and participant observations during and after the intervention. These methodologies were used to record participants learning experiences and awareness of essential features of inquiry based pedagogy. In addition to this, four primary science teachers were interviewed to examine the adoption of essential features of inquiry in their revised lesson plans. The findings of this study were that before the science training the participants were superficially aware of the fundamentals of inquiry based methods and techniques and knew its importance. However, the in-depth process knowledge and skills/strategies required for an effective inquiry was an identifiable shortcoming. The workshop provided learning opportunities to analyze phenomenon, think scientifically, engage in hands-on science activities. Because of the workshop, the participants demonstrated an improved understanding of what entails an inquiry process and features of scientific inquiry. This research should inspire and inform professional developers about gap in inquiry based science teachings. Furthermore, the study aims to motivate private schools in Pakistan to invest in inquiry based science teaching as a tangible long-term benefit which can translate into better teaching practitioner.

scholarly journals МИШЉЕЊЕ УЧИТЕЉА О ПРИМЕНИ ИНКЛУЗИВНОГ ОБРАЗОВАЊА У НАСТАВИ ИНТЕГРИСАНИХ ПРИРОДНИХ НАУКА

TEME ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 999
Author(s):  
Stanko Cvjetićanin ◽  
Branko Anđić
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Science Teaching ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Development Program ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
Primary School Teachers ◽  
Inclusion Model

This paper analyzes the problems which primary school teachers face during these science lessons and their willingness for professional development to enable themselves to implement the inclusion model in teaching science in primary schools. The research included 332 primary school teachers. The data was collected using a survey and analyzed by comparative and descriptive methods. It showed that the initial professional development program enabled teachers to gain some general knowledge about the inclusion model, but it did not qualified them for applying this model in integrated science teaching in primary schools. Teachers believe that science should be taught by qualified science teachers who have some experience with the inclusion model. Teachers also want to improve their knowledge through further professional trainings. They are faced with a lack of cooperation with institutions which deal with inclusive education, the lack of adequate literature on the inclusion model and its implementation in science teaching, as well as a variety of financial and technical barriers. They want to gain knowledge about the inclusion model, so that they can apply it during their science lessons.

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