American Elementary Education Pre-Service Teachers' Attitudes towards Biotechnology Processes

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Bibliographic Details
Title: American Elementary Education Pre-Service Teachers' Attitudes towards Biotechnology Processes
Language: English
Authors: Chabalengula, Vivien Mweene, Mumba, Frackson, Chitiyo, Jonathan
Source: International Journal of Environmental and Science Education. Oct 2011 6(4):341-357.
Availability: International Consortium for the Advancement of Academic Publication. Abant Izzet Baysal University, Faculty of Education, 14280 Golkoy-Bolu, Turkey. e-mail: editorijese@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.ijese.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2011
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Education
Higher Education
Descriptors: Preservice Teacher Education, Teacher Education Curriculum, Elementary Education, Biotechnology, Data Collection, Teacher Attitudes, Likert Scales, Science Teachers, Universities
ISSN: 1306-3065
Abstract: This study examined elementary education pre-service teachers' attitudes towards biotechnology processes. A sample comprised 88 elementary education pre-service teachers at a mid-sized university in the Midwest of the USA. Sixty and 28 of these pre-service teachers were enrolled in Introductory Science Methods course and Advance Science Methods Course, respectively. Data were collected using a questionnaire which had 15 statements on a 3 Likert-scale and required students to indicate whether each statement is acceptable or unacceptable. The results indicated that elementary education pre-service teachers from both courses generally held a wide range of attitudes towards biotechnology. Notably, majority of the pre-service teachers approved the genetic modification of microorganisms and plants, but disapproved the processes that involved the insertion or removal of genes in humans and animals. Implications for science teacher education, curriculum as well as recommendations for further research are discussed. (Contains 6 tables.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 29
Entry Date: 2012
Accession Number: EJ959423
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study examined elementary education pre-service teachers' attitudes towards biotechnology processes. A sample comprised 88 elementary education pre-service teachers at a mid-sized university in the Midwest of the USA. Sixty and 28 of these pre-service teachers were enrolled in Introductory Science Methods course and Advance Science Methods Course, respectively. Data were collected using a questionnaire which had 15 statements on a 3 Likert-scale and required students to indicate whether each statement is acceptable or unacceptable. The results indicated that elementary education pre-service teachers from both courses generally held a wide range of attitudes towards biotechnology. Notably, majority of the pre-service teachers approved the genetic modification of microorganisms and plants, but disapproved the processes that involved the insertion or removal of genes in humans and animals. Implications for science teacher education, curriculum as well as recommendations for further research are discussed. (Contains 6 tables.)
ISSN:1306-3065