Activity Groupings of Primary Science Co‐ordinators: a survey of co‐ordinators’ activities

Abstract

Abstract A check‐list of 119 activities was completed by 222 science co‐ordinators of primary schools in two local education authorities (LEAs). Cluster analysis was used to group the check‐list activities into 10 activity scales; the scales were then used to group the co‐ordinators. Five activity groups of co‐ordinators could be distinguished according to their usage of the activity scales. The activity scales corresponded to statements of co‐ordinators’ duties found in published literature though with a lower than expected emphasis in three key areas. The activity group placing of the co‐ordinators was found to be significantly correlated with their in‐service education and training (INSET) experiences. Different effects were identified for within‐school and (external) part‐time INSET.