Chemistry Teachers' Emerging Expertise in Inquiry Teaching: The Effect of a Professional Development Model on Beliefs and Practice

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Chemistry Teachers' Emerging Expertise in Inquiry Teaching: The Effect of a Professional Development Model on Beliefs and Practice
Language: English
Authors: Rushton, Gregory T., Lotter, Christine, Singer, Jonathan
Source: Journal of Science Teacher Education. Feb 2011 22(1):23-52.
Availability: Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Physical Description: PDF
Page Count: 30
Publication Date: 2011
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Descriptors: Investigations, Chemistry, Science Teachers, Professional Development, Teaching Methods, High Schools, Interviews, Observation, Evaluation Methods, Inquiry, Teaching Models, Educational Practices
DOI: 10.1007/s10972-010-9224-x
ISSN: 1046-560X
Abstract: This study investigates the beliefs and practices of seven high school chemistry teachers as a result of their participation in a year-long inquiry professional development (PD) project. An analysis of oral interviews, written reflections, and in-class observations were used to determine the extent to which the PD affected the teachers' beliefs and practice. The data indicated that the teachers developed more complete conceptions of classroom inquiry, valued a "phenomena first" approach to scientific investigations, and viewed inquiry approaches as helpful for facilitating improved student thinking. Analysis of classroom observations with the Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol indicated that features of the PD were observed in the teachers' practice during the academic year follow-up. Implications for effective science teacher professional development models are discussed.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 58
Entry Date: 2011
Accession Number: EJ910658
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study investigates the beliefs and practices of seven high school chemistry teachers as a result of their participation in a year-long inquiry professional development (PD) project. An analysis of oral interviews, written reflections, and in-class observations were used to determine the extent to which the PD affected the teachers' beliefs and practice. The data indicated that the teachers developed more complete conceptions of classroom inquiry, valued a "phenomena first" approach to scientific investigations, and viewed inquiry approaches as helpful for facilitating improved student thinking. Analysis of classroom observations with the Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol indicated that features of the PD were observed in the teachers' practice during the academic year follow-up. Implications for effective science teacher professional development models are discussed.
ISSN:1046-560X
DOI:10.1007/s10972-010-9224-x