Innovating Science Teacher Education

Mansoor Niaz is Professor at the Chemistry Department, Universidad de Oriente, Cumaná, Venezuela.

• 1. Introduction  2. The Role of Presuppositions, Contradictions, Controversies, and Speculations versus Kuhn’s Normal Science  3. A Rationale for Mixed Methods (Integrative) Research Programs in Education  4. Exploring Alternative Approaches to Methodology in Educational Research  5. Can Findings of Qualitative Research in Education be Generalized?  6. Qualitative Methodology and its Pitfalls in Educational Research  7. Did Columbus Hypothesize or Predict? Facilitating Teachers’ Understanding of Hypotheses and Predictions  8. Facilitating Teachers’ Understanding of Alternative Interpretations of Conceptual Change  9. Progressive Transitions in Teachers’ Understanding of Nature of Science Based on Historical Controversies  10. What ‘ideas-about-science’ Should be Taught in School Science?  11. Whither Constructivism? Understanding Tentative Nature of Scientific Knowledge  12. Conclusion: Methodologists Need to Catch Up with Practicing Researchers

"The inclusion of both qualitative and quantitative perspectives is a welcome feature of the book and demonstrates the comprehensive and real-world approach taken in this project...Science teacher educators and researchers interested in the history and nature of science will find this volume a welcome addition to their professional libraries."—CHOICE"I think the text would be excellent reading in a class that focuses on teaching teachers about nature of science and the importance of nature of science to an understanding of scientific knowledge…The book is also an excellent model for how one can effectively use history and philosophy of science to enhance teachers’ understandings of nature of science…Niaz does an excellent job of making nature of science explicit."—Science and Education"The project that Niaz has undertaken in Innovative Science Teacher Education is ambitious. Recognizing the complexity of preparing science teachers to teach adolescents (high school and early college students) powerful science, Niaz has developed a complex solution…Niaz offers much to like in this book."—Teachers College Record"We find much to recommend about this book given its extensive empirical base, currency, and relevance to teacher educators…This book would be suitable for teacher educators, graduate students and researchers interested in an empirical study of teachers grappling with HPS in science education. "—International Journal of Science Education