A Study of the Elementary School Teachers' Perception of Science Writing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the elementary school teachers' perception of science writing. In this study, 10 elementary school teachers who have taught in the 3rd or 4th grade science lesson in 2010 were selected. Researchers constructed interview guide in three parts including the teachers' understanding of science writing, the status of science writing teaching and the difficulties of science writing in their classes. For the investigation, semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 elementary school teachers were conducted individually. The results showed that the elementary school teachers were unfamiliar with the word ‘science writing’ and considered science writing as a writing using science learning contents. Also, they think that teaching science writing in their science lessons was not needed and didn't assess and provide detailed feedback with the students' written works. Most teachers needed teaching materials and assessment tools for science writing. To develop elementary teachers' understanding of the value and use of writing for learning in science, they will need to participate in science writing programs for in-service teachers and various teaching materials and assessment tools should also be developed.