The influence of experience on pre-service and novice teachers – the Croatian perspective

This paper researches students’ and teacher trainees’ personal experience of student-centred teaching during their education in grades 1–4 of primary school. The questionnaire comprised 45 statements and was completed by 403 primary school teacher trainees and 535 students (future teachers) at Faculties of Teacher Education in Croatia. The research results show that students do not have sufficient prior experience that they could use as inspiration in their future teaching practice and that in the course of their education they were mainly exposed to traditional approach to teaching. The majority of teacher trainees are aware of the importance of student-centred teaching although they cannot fully give up the control of students and educational process. This research opens up the issue of a paradigm change within the teaching system and education in Croatia as well as the issue of changes within education and professional development of teachers.     

Teaching Philosophy of Education: The Value of Questions

The teaching of foundations courses, and in particular philosophy of education, is frequently under siege in teacher education programs across Canada, as these programs struggle to meet other demands on student teachers. This article results from a panel discussion addressing the context of a variety of undergraduate philosophy of education courses across the country, and the principles and practices instructors take in teaching their discipline. The result of the discussion is a strong argument in favour of teaching philosophy of education as an important means of achieving many of the other aims Faculties of Education and teacher education programs have for their teacher education students, in an atmosphere of reflective thought about the profession and its challenges.     

Teaching in inclusive classrooms: efficacy and beliefs of Canadian preservice teachers

This study provides a Canada-wide snapshot of the self-efficacy and beliefs of 1490 preservice teachers in relation to inclusive teaching using the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practice and the Beliefs about Learning and Teaching Questionnaire. At the time of data collection, these preservice teachers were in the final stages of their teacher education programmes. Based on the results of surveys in 11 Faculties of Education, men have higher self-efficacy than women for managing behaviour in the classroom, elementary preservice teachers have higher self-efficacy in collaboration than those teaching in secondary schools, those enrolled in the 1-year post-degree programme show lower self-efficacy than those enrolled in programmes of other durations, and those who have experience with people with special education needs show higher self-efficacy than those who do not. Differences illustrated that women were more inclusive than men, 1-year post-degree preservice teachers were less inclusive than others, and those who have experience with people with special education needs are more inclusive than those who do not. Recommendations for teacher education and limitations surrounding the practical significance of the findings are discussed.     

Provision of in-service training of mathematics and science teachers in Botswana: teachers’ perspectives

Teaching is a field that is dynamic, with innovations necessitating upgrading of skills and education of teachers for the successful implementation of reforms. The behaviour and attitudes of teachers towards teaching and learning and their knowledge banks are the result of the impact of in-service training. This study investigated the perceptions of mathematics and science teachers in Botswana towards in-service provision by the Department of Mathematics and Science Education In-service Training unit (DMSE-INSET), whose mandate is to improve the quality of teaching by supporting teachers through training programmes that enable them to take ownership of their professional development. Data were collected from a sample of 42 senior Mathematics and Science secondary school teachers, using structured interviews with open-ended questions, which were analyzed qualitatively. The findings show that teachers’ concerns included the lack of impact of current in-service training programmes on the education system, no regular follow-up activities to support the one-off workshops and insufficient skills acquired to sustain the implementation of the strategies solicited by the workshops.     

Becoming a science teacher: First year teachers' approaches to learning about teaching

This paper discusses some of the issues arising from the first year of a longitudinal study into the career development of science teachers. It deals with the influences on, and approaches to, teaching by first year science teachers. Eighteen science graduates who had completed a Diploma in Education in 1990, were interviewed about their first year's teaching experiences. The participants explored issues ranging from the influences on their approach to teaching, student learning, determinants of a good lesson, the role of pre-service teacher training, and teaching as a career. Specializations: Science education, reflective practice, teaching and learning.     

教学评价在高职院体育教学中的策略探讨

教学评价是体育教学的重要组成部分,对体育教学过程进行科学、准确的评价,关系到教师的教学积极性和学生学习的主动性的发挥,还便于教师探明、调节和改善体育教学活动。在高职院的体育教学中,我们只有很好地了解和掌握教学评价这个信息反馈机制,才能保证顺利地完成一定的教学任务。     

实践教学在科学教育专业学生发展中的作用

在高等师范院校科学教育专业的教育中,实践教学对于科学教育专业学生现在及将来的专业发展具有重要的作用。实践教学环节是实现科学教育教师培养目标的主体教学之一,通过实践教学可以提升科学教育专业学生的职业兴趣;培养学生运用所学的基本理论、基本知识和基本技能分析和解决实际问题的能力;培养学生的工作能力、创新能力。从实践教学的课程、实验、实训、实习等方面探讨实践活动对科学教育专业学生理论联系实际、掌握科学方法、提升科学素养的作用;探讨实践活动对该专业学生职业技能提升和发展的作用;探讨实践活动对培养高素质科学教育专业学生的创新意识及其适应社会发展的能力的作用。     

科学教育专业课程结构的建构与实践反思

科学教育专业是高师院校为适应新时期基础教育改革及培养综合性人才的需求而新设置的专业.本文对科学教育专业课程结构构建与实践进行了分析,并对科学教育专业课程结构存在的问题进行了探索.     

Using Science Teaching Case Narratives to Evaluate the Level of Acceptance of Scientific Inquiry Teaching in Preservice Elementary Teachers

The National Science Education Standards have outlined flexible processes children perform when engaging in scientific inquiry. Cases narratives are a common component of many university science education courses but rarely are they used as a tool to evaluate the preservice teachers within these courses. This article describes the construction of a positive and negative science teaching case narrative. These case narratives can be used to evaluate the level of acceptance of scientific inquiry teaching in preservice elementary teachers.     

Teaching about sustainability through inquiry-based science in Irish primary classrooms: the impact of a professional development programme on teacher self-efficacy,competence and pedagogy

Abstract

Research suggests that innovative and engaging professional development is instrumental in supporting teachers in developing their competence and confidence in teaching sustainability. An international initiative was developed to explore whether a competencies-oriented Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) professional development model was transferable across three different international contexts (Ireland, Germany and Mexico). This paper reports on the adaptation of this model within the Irish context, through the development of an innovative professional development programme for primary teachers. Through a mixed-methods approach which gathered data via pre- and post-programme surveys, teachers’ reflective journals and post-programme group interviews, the paper explores Irish primary school teachers’ experiences of, and attitudes towards, teaching sustainability through science education after participation in a professional development programme. The findings suggest that this programme, structured around the existing evidence for effective professional development in science education and ESD, positively influences teachers’ self-efficacy, supports teachers’ critical engagement with sustainability competencies and promotes the development of transformative pedagogies for sustainability through Inquiry-Based Science Education.     

我国高等理科教育发展现状:成就与挑战——高等理科教育改革调研专家调查分析

在高等教育扩招的背景下,我国高等理科本科教育发展面临新的挑战。为了全面准确了解现状,推进教育改革发展,"高等理科教育改革调研组"对我国高等理科专家进行了网络问卷调查案例访谈。调查发现:高等理科本科质量仍面临严峻的挑战;高等理科教育要以"激发学习兴趣,培养自主学习能力"为核心目标,建设有利于学生自主发展的条件和环境;建构整体性的学习支持体系;开创革新性的学习工具,让学生能够高效学习海量知识;相关研究要总结并标识理科人才培养模式普遍性的关键特征;加大教学资源投入的制度保障;改革教师教学激励机制,提升教师的教学研究动力和教学能力;加强专业教师的发展和培训。     

Evaluation of a model science teacher education program

This study assessed the effectiveness of one science teacher education program designed to be a model program. The study provided evidence that preservice science teacher education can have a very positive effect on the development of preservice science teachers into effective practicing teachers. Thirty program graduates completed a pilot version of the 1985 National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education providing information on course objectives, teaching strategies, equipment use, time allocation, and textbook use. The responses of program graduates were compared to the responses of a select national sample of teachers. All teachers in the comparison group were from programs in the Search for Excellence in Science Education, Presidential Award winners, recognized as outstanding state science teachers, employed as department chairs, or actively involved in the development of science curriculum. Analysis of the responses indicated that both program graduates and comparison group teachers had similar course objectives and teaching strategies, used materials and equipment a similar amount of time, and allocated class time in similar ways. In another component of the study, students of 37 program graduates completed a questionnaire that assessed their attitudes toward science teachers, science classes, and the study of science. Analysis of attitudinal data from their 2871 students indicated that students of program graduates generally had positive attitudes. For instance, 89% of the students perceived their science teacher as asking questions and 80% perceived their science teacher as letting them ask questions. In general, the data are in stark contrast to the images obtained from National Assessment efforts.     

传承与超越:新时期日本大学的教育改革与发展政策

为振兴日本高等教育,日本文部科学省结合实际,制定了教育振兴基本计划;大力支持大学的教学内容和方法的改革;实施产学研结合的高端人才培养计划;加大投入资助各大学特色教学改革项目;开展高素质教师培训计划,提高教师教育与研究水平等,这些政策为日本新世纪教育理念和人才发展战略的如期实现提供了有力保障。     

素质教育契合点：人文教育与科学教育的融合

人文教育与科学教育的融合是素质教育的核心内容,也是高等教育改革和发展的必然趋势。科学教育与人文教育融合的主要路径为：确立有利于人文教育与科学教育相融合的人才培养目标,构建有利于人文教育与科学教育相融合的学科专业结构和课程体系,建立有利于人文教育与科学教育相融合的教师队伍,营造有利于人文教育与科学教育相融合的校园文化场。     

Professional Growth of Novice and Experienced STEM Teachers

Journal of Science Education and Technology - The first years of teaching are crucial for novice teachers’ integration into and retainment in the education system. The support they receive...     

A study of alternative English teacher certification practices in Turkey

For several years the number of teachers trained in several subject areas through regular teacher education programs in Turkey has been insufficient to meet the demands in the country. As a result, to combat teacher shortages in many subjects alternative routes to teacher certification have been sought. Here we examine teacher candidates' perspectives of some of these practices. The participants in this examination comprised 140 senior undergraduate students in the English teaching program in a Faculty of Education in Ankara. Almost all participants believed that the teacher candidates who go through alternative routes to become teachers of English do so because they seek employment and this is the last resort. The study highlights the fact that it is critical to pursue educational planning if we are to improve quality in education.     

BELIEFS ABOUT CHEMISTRY TEACHING AND LEARNING—A COMPARISON OF TEACHERS’ AND STUDENT TEACHERS’ BELIEFS FROM JORDAN,TURKEY AND GERMANY

This paper discusses beliefs about teaching and learning chemistry. The sample includes chemistry student teachers and in-service teachers from Jordan, Turkey, and Germany. Two test instruments were used to investigate (student) teachers’ beliefs. A qualitative instrument was used to explore Beliefs about Classroom Organization, Beliefs about Teaching Objectives, and Epistemological Beliefs. A quantitative instrument was added to evaluate participants’ beliefs concerning the Nature of Good Education. The results show that Jordanian chemistry teachers and teacher trainees held the most traditional, teacher-centered, and transmission-oriented beliefs, while the German sample showed the most modern beliefs toward teaching and learning. Turkish (student) teachers evidenced more moderate beliefs, which tended to be between the two extremes, but that could still be positioned more closely to the traditional way of thinking. The results are discussed in the context of chemistry teacher education in the three respective countries.     

The ��M�� in SMEC: a short history of the mathematics education presence

In this paper I examine the history of the integration of mathematics education into the Science Education Centre, which had been established by physicist, John de Laeter, within the School of Science and Engineering at Curtin University in Perth, Australia. De Laeter’s vision for science education was that teachers should have access to professional education that allowed them to extend their discipline and pedagogical knowledge using strategies that brought together theory and practice in ways that were meaningful for teachers. This model was expanded when mathematics education was also included, paving the way also for technology education. I present the history of this integration laying out the themes that are important for the continued educational effectiveness of the Science and Mathematics Education Centre (SMEC) and the role that mathematics education has played in this process. As the title suggests, this article focuses on the activities of the group of mathematics educators who have worked within the Science and Mathematics Education Centre of Curtin University since it was established 30 or so years ago and who have contributed to its reputation. The two streams operated then and now more-or-less independently in matters of student thesis topic choice but offered students opportunities for interaction that might not have been available if the “M” had not been incorporated into the Science Education Centre (SEC). This article’s focus is on the mathematics educators who contributed to the Centre’s success and reputation, highlighting the synergistic relationship between mathematics and science that helped to make SMEC a leading center for mathematics and science education.     

城乡教育均衡发展进程中农村语文教师职前职后一体化教育探索

城乡教育均衡发展战略实施过程中,重庆教育学院中文系对农村语文教师职前职后一体化教育进行了探索。针对学习者师德、专业技能、承担社会责任等方面的素质需求,研制了具有针对性和前瞻性的课程目标,开发了4部被教育部推广和重庆市政府奖励的特色教材,并通过“CEA整合教学模式”的研发运用和系列高规格相关教育科研课题的研究,培养了大批高素质农村语文教师,打造了一支在农村教育、语文教育和职前职后教育方面同时具有一定研究水平的教师教育师资队伍。     

日本教师教育研究生院课程体系述评

日本文部科学省为适应社会经济变革、以学生"生存能力"为培养目标的教育改革以及培养教育领域高层次专门人才的要求,在各大学设立了教师教育研究生院。其教师培养课程体系的基本框架包括两部分,即确定以实践能力为核心的教师教育培养目标和由必修课程、学科领域的选修课程及学校现场的教育实习构成的研究生层次的教师教育课程体系。其借鉴意义在于,研究生层次的教师教育应以培养"实践能力"为目标,应强化实践性、应用性课程内容。