Contents
Preface
Acknowledgement
Introduction

Part I: Theoretical, Contextual, and Pedagogical Foundations for the Elementary Science Methods Course

1. Perspectives of Teacher Learning

Views about Learning and Teaching

Ideas about Knowledge

Learning Theories

A View of Learning

An Example Application to a Science Methods Course

Conclusion

More to Explore

References

2. The Context for Elementary Science Teacher Preparation

Who is Responsible for Educating Elementary Science Teachers?

The Policy Context: Goals and Standards for Elementary Science Teacher Education

The Program Context: Elementary Teacher Education

The Program Context: Science Courses

The Program Context: Field Experience and Partnerships with Local Schools

Conclusion

More to Explore

References

3. Orientations to Teaching Science Teachers

Introduction

What are Orientations to Teaching Teachers?

Some Orientations to Teaching Science Teachers

The Reflection Orientation and the Science Methods Course

Conclusion

Tools for Teaching Elementary Science Methods

References

4. Understanding the Elementary Science Methods Student

Introduction

Prospective Teachers as Learners

Prospective Teachers’ Knowledge for Science Teaching

Understanding Your Methods Students

Conclusion

More to Explore

References

5. Curriculum and Resources for Elementary Science Teacher Education

Aims and Goals for the Science Methods Course

The Methods Course Curriculum-What to Include?

Selecting Resources and Materials

Facilities and Equipment

Communicating Your Expectations to Students: The Course Syllabus

Conclusion

Tools for Teaching the Elementary Science Methods Course

More to Explore

References

6. Instructional Strategies for the Elementary Science Methods Course

Aspects of PCK Pertinent to this Chapter

Your Orientation to Learning and Teaching

Environment

General Pedagogy

Teaching Models

Teaching How to Plan

Conclusion

More to Explore

References

7: Assessment Strategies for the Elementary Methods Course

Purposes and Examples of Assessment in the Elementary Science Methods Course

Principles of Effective Assessment

Scoring and Grading Assignments

Putting it All Together: Designing a Methods Course Assignment

Conclusion

Tools for Teaching Elementary Science Methods

More to Explore

References

8: Field Experiences in Elementary Science Methods

Benefits of Field Experiences

Addressing Challenges to the Science Methods Field Experience

Various Models of Science Methods Field Experiences

Student Reflection on the Field Experience

Conclusion: Design Principles for Science Methods Field Experiences

Tools for Teaching Elementary Science Methods

References

Part II: Activities that Work for the Elementary Science Methods Course

ATW 1: Learning about the 5E Learning Cycle: Magnetism

ATW 2: The Interactive Approach: Floating & Sinking

ATW 3: Inquiring into Guided and Open Inquiry: Insect Study

ATW 4: Eliciting Student Ideas: The Human Body

ATW 5: Using Models and Analogies: Electric Circuits

ATW 6: Learning about Discourse: Light and Shadows

ATW 7: Integrating Language Arts and Science: The Water Cycle

ATW 8: Seamless Assessment: The Moon Investigation

About the Authors

Index