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 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>

Computer Science Teachers as Change Agents for Broadening Participation: Exploring Perceptions of Equity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Wachen ◽  
◽  
Mark Johnson ◽  
Steven McGee ◽  
Faythe Brannon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Computer Science ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
Change Agents ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Professional Development Program ◽  
Science Professional Development ◽  
Teacher Professional ◽  
Teachers Perspectives

In this paper, the authors share findings from a qualitative analysis of computer science teachers’ perspectives about equity within the context of an equity-focused professional development program. Drawing upon a framework emphasizing educator belief systems in perpetuating inequities in computer science education and the importance of equity-focused teacher professional development, we explored how computer science teachers understand the issue of equity in the classroom. We analyzed survey data from a sample of participants in a computer science professional development program, which revealed that teachers have distinct ways of framing their perceptions of equity and also different perspectives about what types of strategies help to create equitable, inclusive classrooms reflective of student identity and voice.

Engaging Teachers in Science Practices and Discourse Through Online Professional Development

2019 ◽  
pp. 413-435
Author(s):  
Mary V. Mawn ◽  
Kathleen S. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Online Professional Development ◽  
Science Practices ◽  
Time Distance ◽  
Elementary And Middle School

Online professional development courses and programs provide science teachers with ongoing and relevant professional development opportunities that overcome time, distance, and budget pressures. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, this chapter presents a case study of elementary and middle school teachers enrolled in two online courses in chemistry and science education. Based on this work, three themes emerged: the ability to incorporate inquiry-based teaching and learning in online environments, the importance of online discourse and reflection, and the role of linking theory with practice. Specifically, teacher participants reported increased experience exploring content via inquiry, felt actively engaged with their peers as they constructed their knowledge, and expected to adapt inquiry-based activities in their classrooms as a result of these online courses.

TIPs to Maximize Meaningful Professional Development Programs and Initiatives

2017 ◽  
pp. 593-615
Author(s):  
Stephanie L. Sanders ◽  
Mark P. Orbe
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Professional Development ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Diversity Education ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Relational Dialectics Theory ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Professional Development Programs

At no other time in higher education have scholar researchers been called to demonstrate the value added of theoretically grounded diversity education. This signals the need for higher education to make deeper linkages between diversity education, learning outcomes and academic mission statements. By highlighting a few “TIPs” - attempts to move “theory into practice,” - the authors seek to answer the call to action. Through a case study approach the authors highlight a professional development program that fosters interactional diversity and serves as a catalyst for increasing awareness, mindfulness and positive organizational change. First, a diversity education initiative at a large mid-western university referred to as “The Institute” is described. Second, the theoretically grounded frameworks of anxiety/uncertainty management and relational dialectics theory is presented. Finally, the case study concludes by advocating for more robust professional development programs and initiatives that positively impact organizations. Implications for organizational leaders are discussed.

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