Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, Volume 13, Issue 2, Article 14 (Dec., 2012)
Carole Kwan-Ping LEE
An evaluation of an elementary science methods course with respect to preservice teacher’s pedagogical development

Previous Contents

Appendix

Appendix A. Syllabus of the science methods course

Week

Topics

Assignments Due

1

The Science Education Imperative
Goals of Elementary Science Education
Overview: Content,  Process,  Nature of Science

 

2

Visit a local science teaching center

Print Science Curriculum Frameworks

3

Science Education Today
Content: Standards & Frameworks
The Processes of Science--Basic Skills

 

4

The Processes of Science
The Processes of Science--Integrated Skills
Nature of Science

Teach Process Skill Activity

5

The Nature of Science

 

6

UNIVERSITY DAYS

 

7

Graphic Organizers
Concept Mapping

 

8

Constructivism in Elementary Science Education
K-W-L-H Charts
5E Learning Cycle

Nature of Science Assignment

9

Inquiry
Essential elements of inquiry
Inquiry continuum

 

 

Spring Break—No Class

 

10

The Elementary Science Classroom
Field Trips
Safety
Respect for living things

Safety Quiz

11

Field Trip

 

12

Learner Differences
Differentiated instruction
Assessment

Journal article critique

13

Reading, Writing and Interdisciplinary Approaches

 

14

Technology in Elementary Science Education
Science-Technology-Society

• Webquest (in class)
• Mini-Unit

15

Peer Teaching

Resource Folder

 

 

Appendix B. Questionnaire

Curriculum and Pedagogies: Elementary Science
Section 1:
This section aims to find out some information about you. To preserve your anonymity, write your mother’s maiden name on this survey. Please circle the answers that apply to you.

Mother’s maiden name: __________________

a. What is your gender?          Male    Female

b. What is your age?   <22                  22-25               26-29               >30

c. List all the science courses you have completed in Years 9-12 at high school?

d. List all the courses you have completed at college level?

e. How many block practicum (field experiences) have you now completed during your college teacher education?
                        0                      1                      2                      3                      4                      5 or more

f. How many elementary science lessons have you taught so far?
                        0                      1                      2                      3                      4                      5 or more

g. Science is one of my strongest subjects?
Strongly disagree                    Disagree                      Uncertain                    Agree              Strongly agree

Section 2:

Please indicate the degree to which you disagree or agree with each statement below by circling only one response.
Key: SD = Strongly disagree              D = Disagree         U =Uncertain        A = Agree              SA = Strongly Agree
Given my current knowledge of elementary science, I believe I am able to:

1.

articulate the key components of the elementary science syllabus.

SD

D

U

A

SA

2.

provide a problem-based learning environment for teaching primary science.

SD

D

U

A

SA

3.

devise clear lesson structures for teaching elementary science.

SD

D

U

A

SA

4.

develop a scope and sequence for teaching elementary science.

SD

D

U

A

SA

5.

articulate the components of an effective elementary science program.

SD

D

U

A

SA

6.

describe and analyze the theoretical base of science curriculum development.

SD

D

U

A

SA

7.

implement appropriate elementary science teaching strategies.

SD

D

U

A

SA

8.

model effective classroom management when teaching science.

SD

D

U

A

SA

9.

integrate elementary science education with other key learning areas.

SD

D

U

A

SA

10.

articulate constructivist principles for teaching elementary science.

SD

D

U

A

SA

11.

manage the elementary science learning environment effectively.

SD

D

U

A

SA

12.

demonstrate a social capability to participate and work both independently and collaboratively in science education.

SD

D

U

A

SA

13.

select appropriate activities and resources for teaching elementary science.

SD

D

U

A

SA

14.

address ethical and attitudinal issues related for implementing an elementary science lesson.

SD

D

U

A

SA

15.

design an elementary science teaching unit.

SD

D

U

A

SA

16.

assess the preservice teachers’ learning of elementary science.

SD

D

U

A

SA

17.

articulate different viewpoints on teaching elementary science.

SD

D

U

A

SA

18.

critically reflect on becoming a more effective teacher of elementary science.

SD

D

U

A

SA

19.

use effective questioning skills for teaching elementary science.

SD

D

U

A

SA

20.

provide elementary science lessons that cater to all students, regardless of ability (i.e. inclusive education).

SD

D

U

A

SA

21.

use hands-on materials for teaching elementary science.

SD

D

U

A

SA

22.

teach elementary science with competent content knowledge.

SD

D

U

A

SA

23.

teach elementary science confidently.

SD

D

U

A

SA

24.

use concept maps for planning an elementary science unit.

SD

D

U

A

SA

25.

demonstrate positive attitudes towards teaching elementary science.

SD

D

U

A

SA

**** THANK YOU****

Copyright (C) 2012 HKIEd APFSLT.Volume 13, Issue 2, Article 14 (Dec., 2012). All Rights Reserved.