The effect of an inquiry-oriented environmental science course on preservice elementary teachers’ attitudes about science

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess a model inquiry-oriented environmental science course offered to preservice elementary education majors at the University of Montana in order to investigate the effects of environmental science classes on preservice elementary education majors. The guiding questions for the study (N=125) were: What learning environment profile reflects an inquiry-oriented environmental science classroom? and Are students' attitudes about science affected by the environmental science course taken? Data collection instruments included the Science Laboratory Environment Inventory (SLEI) and the Test of Science Related Attitudes (TOSRA). Results indicate that the course provided adequate laboratory materials and students interacted with each other in a positive manner. The results from the TOSRA questionnaire suggest that exposure to an inquiry-oriented environmental science course could promote at least short-term change regarding student attitudes involving social change. Another finding was that students had more positive attitudes about inquiry as a process in science after being exposed to a learning cycle-based course. It was concluded that results from this study support the recommendation that preservice elementary teachers take course work in environmental science or environmental education. Contains 12 references. (JRH) *******************i.AA:.************************************Ai.*** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *************W********************************************************* THE EFFECT OF AN INQUIRY-ORIENTED ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COURSE ON PRESERVICE ELEMENTARY TEACHER°,' ATTITUDES ABOUT SCIENCE. Fletcher S. Brown, University of Montana Missoula, MT 59812 U S. DEPARTMENT Of EDUCATION Othce o EOLKshonet Ressioch ono imptosen.,-nt EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION LI CENTER IERICI TheS 00Cument ASS been reproduced as reCe'vehtl frOrre the person Or Orpiheietectin mating et 0 Mow, chances have been made to ereetX0er rOPrOducleon Quality Pants °twee 0, Oftshe One Stated in thiSCIOCve ment 00 hOt reCIISSanly raptasant official OE RI posmon or pohoy Paper Presented at the annual meeting of The National Association for Research in Science Teaching St. Louis, Missouri April, 1996