Pre-service Elementary Teachers' Exploration of Children's Science Ideas

Abstract

In this study, pre-service elementary teachers (n=68) participated in an inquiry of exploring children's science ideas as group work. After conducting interviews with children, the pre-service teachers analyzed their science ideas on specific concept and propose a teaching plan based on their findings. This paper aimed to find the positive learning experiences of the pre-service teachers by looking into their inquiry process. Questionnaire, researcher's journal, classroom videos and final reports were collected and analyzed for this multiple case study. Four representative groups were chosen and interviewed after submitting their final reports for in-depth understanding of their inquiry process. The positive learning experiences found in the process of their inquiry into children's science ideas were as follows: (1) exploring children's ideas have brought the opportunity for enhancing pre-service teachers' science content knowledge. (2) the pre-service teachers developed their ability in creating questions that probe into children's understanding. (3) the pre-service teachers recognized that children have various incomplete and unstable science ideas. (4) the pre-service teachers could suggest teaching strategy based on their findings.