Designing and Teaching the Elementary Science Methods Course

Sandra K. Abell is Curators’ Professor of Science Education at the University of Missouri, US, where she directs the university’s Science Education Center. Ken Appleton is semi-retired as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Central Queensland University, Australia. Deborah L. Hanuscin is Assistant Professor of Elementary Education at the University of Missouri, US, where she holds a joint appointment in the Department of Physics & Astronomy and Department of Learning, Teaching, & Curriculum.

• ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgementIntroductionPart I: Theoretical, Contextual, and Pedagogical Foundations for the Elementary Science Methods Course1. Perspectives of Teacher Learning Views about Learning and TeachingIdeas about KnowledgeLearning TheoriesA View of Learning An Example Application to a Science Methods Course ConclusionMore to ExploreReferences2. 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 ExploreReferences3. Orientations to Teaching Science TeachersIntroductionWhat 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 MethodsReferences4. Understanding the Elementary Science Methods Student Introduction Prospective Teachers as Learners Prospective Teachers’ Knowledge for Science Teaching Understanding Your Methods Students Conclusion More to ExploreReferences5. 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 CourseMore to ExploreReferences6. 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 ConclusionMore to ExploreReferences7: 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 ConclusionTools for Teaching Elementary Science MethodsMore to ExploreReferences8: Field Experiences in Elementary Science MethodsBenefits 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 MethodsReferencesPart II: Activities that Work for the Elementary Science Methods CourseATW 1: Learning about the 5E Learning Cycle: MagnetismATW 2: The Interactive Approach: Floating & SinkingATW 3: Inquiring into Guided and Open Inquiry: Insect StudyATW 4: Eliciting Student Ideas: The Human BodyATW 5: Using Models and Analogies: Electric CircuitsATW 6: Learning about Discourse: Light and ShadowsATW 7: Integrating Language Arts and Science: The Water CycleATW 8: Seamless Assessment: The Moon InvestigationAbout the AuthorsIndex