Perceptions and Educational Needs of Teachers for Instructions for Using the Science Museum

Abstract

In this study, we investigated teachers' experiences in teaching with the science museum as well as their confidence, their perceptions, educational needs, and their willingness to practice the instructions using science museum. A survey was administered to 225 elementary and secondary school teachers. The analyses of the results revealed that few teachers had training for the instructions using the science museum and not many teachers had experience in teaching with the science museum. Many teachers were also found to have low confidence in teaching with the science museum. Although the teachers had a relatively good understanding of the educational effects, nature and teaching strategies for the instructions using the science museum, they tended to apply the formal views on science teaching/learning to learning with the science museum. The levels of willingness to use the science museum in their instructions and educational needs of the instructions using the science museum were high. They wanted the information about practical aspects to use in the instructions using science museum most. Educational implications of these findings are discussed.