Designing and Teaching the Elementary Science Methods Course

Abstract

Contents Preface Acknowledgement Introduction Part I: Theoretical, Contextual, and Pedagogical Foundations for the Elementary Science Methods Course 1. Perspectives of Teacher Learning Views about Learning and Teaching Ideas about Knowledge Learning Theories A View of Learning An Example Application to a Science Methods Course Conclusion More to Explore References 2. 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 Explore References 3. Orientations to Teaching Science Teachers Introduction What 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 Methods References 4. Understanding the Elementary Science Methods Student Introduction Prospective Teachers as Learners Prospective Teachers' Knowledge for Science Teaching Understanding Your Methods Students Conclusion More to Explore References 5. 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 Course More to Explore References 6. 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 Conclusion More to Explore References 7: 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 Conclusion Tools for Teaching Elementary Science Methods More to Explore References 8: Field Experiences in Elementary Science Methods Benefits 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 Methods References Part II: Activities that Work for the Elementary Science Methods Course ATW 1: Learning about the 5E Learning Cycle: Magnetism ATW 2: The Interactive Approach: Floating & Sinking ATW 3: Inquiring into Guided and Open Inquiry: Insect Study ATW 4: Eliciting Student Ideas: The Human Body ATW 5: Using Models and Analogies: Electric Circuits ATW 6: Learning about Discourse: Light and Shadows ATW 7: Integrating Language Arts and Science: The Water Cycle ATW 8: Seamless Assessment: The Moon Investigation About the Authors Index