Exploring a Model of Situated Professional Development: Impact on Classroom Practice

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Exploring a Model of Situated Professional Development: Impact on Classroom Practice
Language: English
Authors: Singer, Jonathan, Lotter, Christine, Feller, Robert
Source: Journal of Science Teacher Education. Apr 2011 22(3):203-227.
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: 25
Publication Date: 2011
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools
Descriptors: Educational Change, Science Teachers, Faculty Development, Teaching Methods, Science Education, Active Learning, Inquiry, Middle School Teachers, Statistical Significance, Educational Environment
DOI: 10.1007/s10972-011-9229-0
ISSN: 1046-560X
Abstract: A hallmark of current science education reform involves teaching through inquiry. However, the widespread use of inquiry-based instruction in many classrooms has not occurred (Roehrig and Luft in "Int J Sci Educ" 26:3-24, 2004; Schneider et al. in "J Res Sci Teach" 42:283-312, 2005). The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a professional development program on middle school science teachers' ability to enact inquiry-based pedagogical practices. Data were generated through evaluation of teacher practice using the Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol (RTOP) (Sawada et al. in "School Sci Math" 102:245-253, 2002) at three distinct junctures, before, during, and after the professional development treatment. Analysis of teacher-participant post-institute reflections was then utilized to determine the perceived role of the various institute components. Statistical significant changes in RTOP scores indicated that the teachers were able to successfully transfer the enactment of the inquiry-based practices into their classrooms. The subsequent discussion provides connection between these pedagogical changes with use of professional development strategies that provide a situated learning environment.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 48
Entry Date: 2011
Accession Number: EJ920118
Database: ERIC
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