Factors Influencing Elementary and Secondary Teachers' Views on the Nature of Science.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Morrison, Judith A., ; Raab, Fred; Ingram, Dale
- Source
- Journal of Research in Science Teaching; Apr2009, Vol. 46 Issue 4, p384-403, 20p
- Subject
- Professional education
Teacher development
Science education
Elementary school teachers
High school teachers
Teacher attitudes
- Language
- ISSN
- 00224308
The article discusses a nature of science (NOS) professional development initiative designed to explore differences between elementary and secondary teachers regarding NOS. The initiative incorporated reflective teaching and cooperation with scientists and allowed teachers to examine scientific research processes. Interviews and questionnaires were used to examine how the project changed teacher attitudes. Secondary teachers with prior research experience reported no changes while the majority of elementary teachers indicated the project improved their views regarding science. The authors comment that job shadowing and interviews with scientists were rated as the most effective elements of the project.