Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Research Articles

Collaborative Curriculum Design to Increase Science Teaching Self-Efficacy: A Case Study

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to establish whether participation in a teacher design team (TDT) is an effective way to increase the science teaching self-efficacy of primary school teachers who vary in their levels of experience and interest in science. A TDT is a group of at least 2 teachers from the same or related subjects working together to (re)design and enact (a part of) their common curriculum (A. Handelzalts, 2009). This study considers the context of a primary school in The Netherlands. Three forms of data were collected to obtain more in-depth data about the value of working in a TDT: the Dutch version of the Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument (P. Fisser, B. Ormel, & C. Velthuis, 2010), an additional TDT questionnaire, and a focus group interview. The results indicate that professional development through a TDT can improve science teaching self-efficacy for teachers with varying levels of experience and interest.

A Study of Pre-service Teachers’ Science Teaching Efficacy Beliefs During the Elementary Science Laboratory Course

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of the teaching science laboratory course on pre-service teachers’ self- efficacy beliefs about science teaching. Seventy-two pre-service teachers enrolled in two sections of the course from two different departments, elementary and gifted education at a large urban university in Turkey participated in the study. The Turkish version of Science Teaching Efficacy Beliefs Instrument (Hazir-Bikmaz, 2004) was administered twice to the participants at the beginning of the course and at the end of the course. Results indicated that overall pre-service teachers’ self- efficacy beliefs significantly increased during the course. Although pre-service teachers’ personal teaching efficacy beliefs significantly increased, their outcome expectancy beliefs did not change.

Elementary Pre-Service Teachers' Response-Shift Bias: Self-efficacy and attitudes toward science

Response-shift bias occurs when participants' initial constructs, such as self-efficacy in teaching science, are incomplete because they do not fully conceptualize something they have yet to experience. This study examines whether elementary pre-service teachers can consistently evaluate constructs such as self-efficacy and attitudes toward science throughout an elementary methods course. After the administration of traditional pre-tests, retrospective pre-tests, and post-tests, this study examined whether a response-shift bias consistently occurred in scales indicating science teaching self-efficacy (as measured by the Science Teaching Efficacy Beliefs Instrument-B), attitudes toward science (modified Attitudes Toward Science Inventory), and relevancy of science (Changes in Attitudes about the Relevancy of Science). Results indicate that a significant response-shift bias occurred in the scales relating to self-efficacy, confidence, and attitudes toward science; while no response-shift bias occurred in scales relating to outcome expectancy, value, and relevancy of science. Our data provide evidence that response-shifts naturally discriminate among different constructs and that participants successfully and consistently reported certain constructs over time which may be of interest for program evaluators and self-efficacy researchers. This research could have implications for program evaluators and researchers who need to measure program impacts on pre-service teachers with limited science-teaching experiences.

Teacher Training and Pre-service Primary Teachers’ Self-Efficacy for Science Teaching

This study focuses on the improvement of pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy for teaching science by including science courses within the teacher training program. Knowing how efficacy beliefs change over time and what factors influence the development by pre-service primary teachers of positive science teaching efficacy beliefs may be useful for teacher training universities, so that they can adapt their curriculum to accommodate these factors. Participants included 292 pre-service primary teachers, a cross-sectional sample from two different universities in the Netherlands across the four different years of study in the training program. Based upon our results, we conclude that the science teaching self-efficacy of pre-service teachers, in particular, improved during years 1 and 2, and not during years 3 and 4. Higher levels of self-rated subject-matter knowledge and science teaching experience in primary schools both contributed to higher levels of personal self-efficacy for science teaching. Differences at the university level in courses taken during the first year between science content courses and science methods courses also influenced the pre-service teachers’ development of science teaching self-efficacy. After their first year, the pre-service teachers from the university with science content courses had significantly higher self-efficacy than pre-service teachers from the university that offered science methods courses. After the second year of teacher training, however, this difference in self-efficacy was no longer present.

The Science Teaching Self‐Efficacy of Prospective Elementary Education Majors Enrolled in Introductory Geology Lab Sections

This study examined prospective elementary education majors' science teaching self‐efficacy while they were enrolled in an introductory geology lab course for elementary education majors. The Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument Form B (STEBI‐B) was administered during the first and last lab class sessions. Additionally, students were asked an open‐ended question to describe their experience in the education majors' geology lab. The results of the STEBI‐B were analyzed using paired t‐tests to determine whether the students changed their personal science teaching efficacy (PSTE) and science teaching outcome expectancy (STOE). Results of this study indicate a significant increase in PSTE. No significant differences were found in STOE. This study suggests that science content courses designed for education majors may lead to a positive change in science teaching self‐efficacy and has implications for teacher educators in preparing science content courses for their teacher preparation program.

보육교사의 교사적성과 과학태도가 과학교수효능감에 미치는 영향

이 연구는 보육교사의 교사적성, 과학태도가 과학교수효능감에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위하여 실시되었다. 연구대상은 어린이집 교사 297명이었으며 Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instruments, Inventory of Science Attitudes, 보육교사적성 도구를 사용하여 연구자료를 평가하였다. 수집된 자료는 Pearson의 적률 상관계수와 단계적 회귀분석을 통해 분석하였다. 주요 연구결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 먼저 보육교사의 적성은 과학교수 개인효능감, 과학교수 결과기대감, 과학교수효능감과 정적인 상관관계가 있었다. 둘째, 과학태도 중 과학에 대한 흥미와 과학의 사회적 가치는 과학교수 개인효능감, 과학교수 결과기대감, 과학교수효능감과 정적인 상관관계가 있었다. 그러나 과학과 과학자에 대한 인식 자체는 과학교수 개인효능감과 유의미한 상관을 보이지 않았다. 마지막으로 과학교수효능감에 영향을 미치는 보육교사적성과 과학태도를 살펴본 결과, 과학교수 개인효능감에 대해 과학에 대한 흥미와 긍정적 정서가 영향을 미치고, 과학교수 결과기대감에 대해서는 과학의 사회적 가치, 과학과 과학자에 대한 인식, 대인관계능력이 영향을 미쳤으며, 과학교수효능감에 대해서는 과학에 대한 흥미, 과학의 사회적 가치, 긍정적 정서, 대인관계능력이 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과가 보육교사의 과학교수효능감을 증가시켜 영유아교육 현장에서 바람직한 과학교수가 이루어질 수 있도록 하는데 기초적 자료로 활용될 수 있으리라 기대해 본다. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect on child care teachers' self-efficacy in teaching science. Subjects were 297 childhood teachers who were working at a day care center. The data were collected by using three questionnaires(Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instruments, Inventory of Science Attitude, and Attitude Test for Child Care Teachers). The data were analyzed by Pearson's correlation and step-wise Regression. The results of this study are as follows; First, there were positive correlations between aptitude for child care teacher and self-efficacy in teaching science. Second, there were positive correlations between science attitude and self-efficacy in teaching science of child care teachers. Third, the significant predictors of self-efficacy in teaching science were interest in science, social value of science, interpersonal relationship management abilities, and positive emotions. The results of this study can be used to develop effective teacher training programs for early childhood science education.

Science teaching self-efficacy of culturally foreign teachers: A baseline study in Abu Dhabi

This study focuses on the self-efficacy of teachers working in a culturally foreign environment. The research presented describes an exploratory study examining the science teaching efficacy beliefs of culturally foreign teachers in Abu Dhabi's primary schools, private and public. A standardized teacher self-efficacy instrument (STEBI A) specific to science education was used to collect data on teachers’ perceptions of their strengths and weaknesses in the area of science education. Results showed a much lower sense of self-efficacy in comparison to other studies elsewhere in the world, and indicate cultural adaptation – both personal and professional – may influence teaching efficacy of beginning and experienced teachers. Self-efficacy of teachers working within a culturally different environment is an underexplored field and is worthy of future research.

School and University Partnerships: The Role of Teacher Education Institutions and Primary Schools in the Development of Preservice Teachers’ Science Teaching Efficacy

Science in the Australian primary school context is in a state of renewal with the recent implementation of the Australian Curriculum: Science. Despite this curriculum renewal, the results of primary students in science have remained static. Science in Australia has been identified as one of the least taught subjects in the primary school curriculum, and therefore, the role of the teacher is paramount. Research has explored the significant impact that tertiary education and practical experience, including the role of the science teacher educator and mentor teacher, can have on preservice teachers, in relation to either increasing or calibrating science teaching efficacy beliefs. Such research is significant due to the correlation between teaching self-efficacy and performance. Following a commentary on literature in this field, this article will present recommendations for the development of science partnerships between tertiary institutions and primary schools in Australia.

Exploring Science Teaching Efficacy of CASE Curriculum Teachers: A Post-Then-Pre Assessment

This descriptive-correlational study sought to investigate teachers’ levels of Personal Science Teaching Efficacy (PSTE) and Science Teaching Outcome Expectancy (STOE) using the Science Teaching Efficacy Beliefs Instrument (STEBI). The population included all teachers completing a CASE Institute training session during summer 2010. Assessments were made at two points. First, the participants were as- sessed by using a post-then-pre assessment with a second follow-up assessment after nine months of im- plementing the new curriculum. Demographic characteristics are presented to provide insight into the participants. The teachers experienced gains during the institute on both their personal science teaching efficacy and their science teaching outcome expectancy. However, after nine months of using the curricu- lum, their efficacy remained high while their outcome expectancy returned to the same levels held before attending the professional development. It appears the CASE Institute had a lasting impact on the partic- ipants’ personal efficacy, but not their outcome expectancy beliefs. Recommendations are made for future research.

Effects of Video-Supported Expertise- Based Training (XBT) on Preservice Science Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs

This study investigated the effects of expertise-based training (XBT) supported with videos including expert teachers’ shared experiences in a real class environment on preservice science teachers’ science teaching self-efficacy, in addition to their perceptions on the effects of XBT. The participants were 32 preservice science teachers registered for Methods of Teaching Science I. The methodology of the study was concurrent triangulation mixed methods research design. The data were collected through the Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument (STEBI), open-ended questionnaires following experts’ videos, observations, and interviews. During analysis, a paired t-test wasconducted for quantitative data, and open coding analysis was applied for qualitative data. The quantitative results showed that after the intervention, science teaching efficacy beliefs increased. Moreover, the qualitative data showed that preservice science teachers learned a great deal about the application of teaching methods.

생명과학 오개념 교정 소책자를 이용한 강좌가 초등 예비교사들의 과학 교수효능감과 오개념에 미치는 효과

과학교육에서 오개념은 오래된 주제이지만, 아직도 학교현장에서는 오개념으로 인한 문제들이 제기되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 초등예비교사들과 초등현장교사들을 위해 초등과학 교과의 내용과 직접적으로 관련된 오개념을 조사 분석하고 이의 교정을 위한 오개념 교정 소책자를 개발하였으며, 이를 초등예비교사들을 위한 생명영역 교재연구 강좌에 적용하여 과학 교수 효능감과 생명영역 오개념의 교정 효과를 검증하였다. 소책자의 개발을 위해 선행연구결과를 수집하고, 초등예비교사들의 오개념을 조사하였으며, 이를 2007 개정 과학과 교육과정의 초등과학 생명영역 단원의 내용을 분석틀로 하여 분석하였고, 그 결과를 현장에서 쉽게 사용할 수 있도록 작은 소책자 형태로 제작하였다. 제작한 소책자의 효과 검증을 위해 연구에 참여한 초등예비교사는 총 107명으로 소책자를 활용하여 교재연구강좌를 수강한 실험집단이 46명, 소책자를 사용하지 않고 교재연구강좌를 수강한 비교반이 61명이었다. 두 집단을 대상으로 일원변량분석과 공변량분석, 대응표본 t검정, 상관분석을 실시하였다. 연구 결과 본 연구에서 개발한 소책자를 사용한 실험 집단은 과학교수효능감과 생명영역 오개념 교정에 있어서 통계적으로 매우 유의한 수준에서 비교반보다 높은 점수를 얻었다. 따라서 본 연구에서 개발한 소책자는 초등예비교사들의 과학 교수효능감을 증진하고 오개념을 교정하는데 효과가 있음이 검증되었다. 본 연구를 통해서 초등예비교사들의 생명과학 영역 오개념 교정을 돕고, 궁극적으로 초등학생들의 올바른 생명영역 개념 형성을 도울 수 있으며, 초등예비교사들의 고양된 교수효능감은 초등학생들의 과학 수업에 긍정적인 영향을 줄 수 있을 것으로 기대한다. Misconceptions are one of the most important and long-lasting studied themes on science education. It is because their nature is obstinate and settled as well as they corrupt students' understanding of science concepts. This study examines whether preservice elementary school teachers enrolled in biology teaching material research course changed positively on science teaching efficacy and correcting life science misconceptions when they used the handbook developed for this study. The handbook comprises 203 life science concepts surveyed among preservice teachers holding from advanced researches and arranged by 2007 Revised Science Curriculum. 107 preservice elementary school teachers participated in the study. Forty-six (46) of them were assigned to the experimental group and the other 61 to the control group. ANOVA was conducted for analyzing data. Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument (STEBI) and the life science misconception test which was developed for this study, were administrated as assessing instruments for pretest and posttest. The experimental group, using the handbook, acquired higher scores in both tests on statistical significance level than the control group who were not using the handbook. The results indicate the handbook developed for correcting life science misconceptions for this study is effective in enhancing science teaching efficacy and correcting life science misconceptions.

예비유아교사의 과학교수지식과 과학적 태도 및 과학교수 효능감 간의 관계

본 연구는 예비유아교사의 과학교수지식과 과학적 태도 및 과학교수 효능감의 정도를 알아보고 이들 간의 관계를 알아보고자 하는데 있었다. 이를 위하여 3년제와 4년제 대학 유아교육과에 재학 중인 예비유아교사 294명을 대상으로 설문지를 배부 회수한 후 분석하였다. 본 연구의 결과, 예비유아교사들의 과학교수지식이 보통정도이며 과학적 태도도 보통 정도인 것으로 나타났다. 예비유아교사들의 과학교수지식과 과학적 태도는 3년제 대학의 3학년과 4년제 대학의 3 4학년 집단이 2학년 집단보다 높은 것으로 나타났다. 2학년 집단은 1학년 집단보다 과학교수지식과 과학적 태도가 낮게 나타났다. 예비유아교사들의 과학교수 효능감은 4년제 대학의 경우, 과학교수지식과 과학적 태도와 유사하게 2학년 집단이 가장 낮은 반응을 나타냈고 3년제 대학의 경우 학년이 높아질수록 과학교수 개인효능감이 높아졌다. 예비유아교사들의 과학교수지식과 과학적 태도 및 과학교수 효능감 간에는 정적인 상관을 나타냈으며 이는 과학교수지식이 높을수록 과학적 태도와 과학교수 효능감이 높아진다는 것을 의미한다. 이 중에서 과학적 태도가 과학교수 효능감보다 과학교수지식과 더 높은 상관을 나타냈다. 앞으로 예비유아교사 교육에서 과학교수지식과 과학적 태도 및 과학교수 효능감을 높일 수 있는 다양한 교수방법에 대한 방안이 모색되어야 할 것이다. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between the pedagogical content knowledge in science teaching of pre-service early childhood teachers and their attitude toward science and science teaching efficacy belief. A total of 294 pre-service early childhood teachers responded to a questionnaire that examined their pedagogical content knowledge in science teaching, attitude toward science, and science teaching efficacy belief. The results of this study were as follows: First, teachers had average pedagogical content knowledge in science teaching. The groups of 3rd and 4th grades were significantly higher than the 2nd grade group. Second, the teachers' recognition was below average in attitude toward science and science teaching efficacy belief. The groups of 3rd and 4th grades were significantly higher than the 2nd grade group. Third, a meaningful statistical relationship was found between the pedagogical content knowledge in science teaching of pre-service early childhood teachers and their attitude toward science and science teaching efficacy belief. As the score of pre-service early childhood teachers in pedagogical content knowledge in science teaching became higher, the score in attitude toward science and science teaching efficacy belief became higher.

Science Teaching Efficacy of Preservice Elementary Teachers: Examination of the Multiple Factors Reported as Influential

This study explores the science teaching efficacy beliefs of pr-service elementary teachers and the relationship between efficacy beliefs and multiple factors such as antecedent factors (participation in extracurricular activities and number of science and science teaching methods courses taken), conceptual understanding, classroom management beliefs and science teaching attitudes. Science education majors (n = 71) and elementary education majors (n = 262) were compared with respect to these variables. Finally, the predictors of two constructs of science teaching efficacy beliefs, personal science teaching efficacy (PSTE) and science teaching outcome expectancy (STOE), were examined by multiple linear regression analysis. According to the results, participation in extracurricular activities has a significant but low correlation with science concept knowledge, science teaching attitudes, PSTE and STOE. In addition, there is a small but significant correlation between science concept knowledge and outcome expectancy, which leads the idea that preservice elementary teachers’ conceptual understanding in science contributes to their science teaching self-efficacy. This study reveals a moderate correlation between science teaching attitudes and STOE and a high correlation between science teaching attitudes and PSTE. Additionally, although the correlation coefficient is low, the number of methodology courses was found to be one of the correlates of science teaching attitudes. Furthermore, students of both majors generally had positive self-efficacy beliefs on both the STOE and PSTE. Specifically, science education majors had higher science teaching self-efficacy than elementary education majors. Regression results showed that science teaching attitude is the major factor in predicting both PSTE and STOE for both groups.

Elementary Teachers' Classroom Practices and Beliefs in Relation to US Science Education Reform: Reflections from within

This study unveils the stories of 3 public school elementary teachers from the USA who reflected on their beliefs about science education reform, and implementation of the reform in their classroom teaching, in response to state recommendations for change in science education. The teachers' stories show how various factors assisted or impeded the implementations of reform in their teaching, the various challenges related to their grade-level teaching, and the teachers' personal struggles to make sense of reform recommendations. Within each case study, we describe 4 common themes from the teachers' interviews. These themes are related to teachers' science teaching strategies, their science teaching efficacy beliefs about adopting reform, the types of science learning outcomes teachers target, and the types of teaching resources available to them. Implications for teacher education and practice are discussed in relationship with study findings.

Optimizing K-14 Instruction to Infuse 21st Century Skills

ABSTRACTThis multi-phased study investigates the learning outcomes of courses taught in the K-14 classroom. Specifically, the methods and practices teachers use to develop and encourage 21st Century Skills including critical thinking skills and technological fluency in all subject areas, STEM and non-STEM related, are of great interest. Currently, these skills are in high demand in fields which develop advanced materials and are the backbone of the National Academiesdeveloped Frameworks for K-12 Science Education. Phase I participants in this study included high school and college educators while Phase II of the study will involve K-14 students. In this study, educators were asked to rate their teaching self-efficacy in two primary areas: critical thinking skills and technological fluency. This included questions related to components in their current curriculum as well as methods of assessment [e.g., rubrics]. The instrument created to measure self-efficacy was based on a modified ‘Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument' (STEBI). All participants were from Connecticut. Results indicate that both STEM and non-STEM related subject areas offer an equally rich array of opportunities to effectively teach critical thinking and technological fluency at a variety of educational levels. The impact of Professional Development on teacher self-efficacy was of particular importance, especially in K-12 education.

Preservice Biology Teachers' Learning to Teach Science through Science Methods Courses

This study tracked the changes of preservice biology teachers' pedagogical knowledge along with science teaching efficacy throughout sequentially developed science methods course I and II over two consecutive semesters. Two courses, science methods course I and II, aimed these preservice teachers to discuss the notion of science teaching with teaching and learning theories, to learn science instructional models, to design lessons utilizing science instructional models, and to eventually implement microteaching. The preservice teachers were mainly engaged in cooperative instructional planning activities through science methods course I, and engaged in cooperative microteaching activities through the science methods course II. This study revealed that preservice teachers successfully developed pedagogical knowledge and science teaching efficacy after two science methods courses. The science methods course I where cooperative instructional planning activities occurred helped the preservice teachers to improve pedagogical knowledge but not science teaching efficacy. Based on their pedagogical knowledge development, then, these preservice teachers increased science teaching efficacy belief after completion of the science methods course II.

Challenging science teachers' beliefs and practices through a video-case-based intervention in China's primary schools

The present study aims to challenge primary school science teachers' beliefs about education and teaching efficacy, as well as their teaching practices, through a video-case-based intervention programme in a Chinese educational setting. A total of 46 in-service teachers were involved in this study (experimental group = 23, control group = 23). Pre- and post-intervention surveys were administered to examine possible changes in the participants' beliefs about education and science teaching efficacy. Video data were gathered through classroom observations of 9 participants from the experimental group and 9 participants from the control group. The results of one-way analysis of covariance indicate that the reported post-intervention beliefs of teachers who participated in the programme differed significantly from their pre-intervention beliefs. More specifically, teachers in the experimental groups reported fewer traditional and more constructivist beliefs after the intervention, as well as stronger personal science teaching efficacy beliefs. One exception included beliefs about science teaching outcome expectancy. The video data showed that teaching practices became more constructivist in terms of both practical activities and student ICT use.

구성주의에 기반한 모의수업 활동이 예비 생물교사의 인식론적 신념, 과학 교수 효능감 및 교수 동기에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 구성주의에 기반한 모의수업 활동 후 예비 생물교사들의 인식론적 신념, 과학 교수 효능감, 그리고 교수동기에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 예비 생물교사들은 과학교수 개혁안의 목표를 반영하고 있는지 보기 위한 평가척도인 RTOP을 토대로 수업을 구상하고 시연하도록 하였으며, 동료평가의 기회를 가졌다. 수업처치 후 예비 생물교사들은 지식의 단순성 영역에서 인식론적 신념이 향상되었으며(p<.05), 과학 교수 효능감 또한 향상되었다(p<.01). 교수동기에 있어서 예비 생물교사들은 외재적 교수 동기는 감소하였으나(p<.05) 내재적 교수 동기는 증가하지 않았다(p>.05). 또한 피어슨 상관관계 결과, 과학 교수 자기 효능감과 외재적 동기는 부적 상관 관계를 나타냈다(p<.05). 구성주의를 강조한 모의수업 활동 후 학생들은 이상적인 과학수업과 과학교사의 자질로 탐구, 토론 및 참여라는 단어를 선택하여, 본 연구에서의 수업처치를 통해 예비 교사들은 구성주의가 지향하는 교수학습 방법을 인식하는데 도움이 되었다고 판단된다. This study examined the effect of simulated instruction activities based on a constructivist teaching approach on epistemological belief, science teaching efficacy belief, and teaching motivation. The RTOP (Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol) played a role to guide preservice biology teachers to obtain insights on current reformed teaching and to further practice teaching based on constructivism. The results indicated that preservice teachers changed their epistemological beliefs toward more sophisticated views, especially for 'simple knowledge'. They also improved their science teaching efficacy beliefs, both personal science teaching efficacy belief (PSTEB) and science teaching outcome expectancy (STOE). In addition, these perservice teachers decreased their scores of extrinsic teaching motivation. The Pearson correlation represented the negative relationship between personal science teaching efficacy belief (PSTEB) and extrinsic teaching motivation. After intervention, the preservice teachers mentioned inquiry, active participation and discussion as ideal science teaching methods and qualifications for science teachers.

Relationships among Teachers’ Knowledge and Beliefs Regarding the Teaching of Evolution: A Case for Turkey

Abstract The research study investigated the possible associations among science and biology teachers’ knowledge and belief variables concerning teaching evolution in science and biology classes. Specifically, this study examined how a set of variables including teachers’ understanding of evolution and nature of science (NOS) is related to the set of variables including teachers’ acceptance of evolution and perceptions of teaching evolution (i.e., perceptions of the necessity of addressing evolution in their classrooms, perceptions of the factors that impede addressing evolution in their classrooms, and personal science teaching efficacy beliefs regarding evolution). Data were collected from science and biology teachers through administration of Evolution Content Knowledge Test, Measure of Acceptance of the Theory of Evolution, Nature of Science as Argument Questionnaire and Teachers’ Perceptions of Teaching Evolution Scale. Canonical correlation analysis findings suggested that teachers who had thorough understanding of evolution and NOS were likely to both accept the scientific validity of evolution and believe the necessity of addressing evolution in the classrooms. On the other hand, teachers with thorough understanding of evolution and NOS did not necessarily believe that they have a stronger sense of self-efficacy beliefs regarding teaching evolution and that there are fewer obstacles to addressing evolution in the classroom. The research is significant in that it provides empirical evidence clarifying the interactions between teachers’ understanding and beliefs in teaching evolution. Implications for science teacher education are discussed.

Changes of Preservice Biology Teachers' Pedagogical Knowledge and Science Teaching Efficacy Belief through Science Pedagogy Course

This study explored changes of preservice biology teachers' pedagogical knowledge and science teaching efficacy belief after the science pedagogy course. Preservice biology teachers who did not take any science pedagogy courses had an opportunity to engage in discussions of educational theories and group activities of instructional design utilizing science instructional models as a first step to develop practical knowledge. These preservice teachers represented a statistically significant increase in their scores on pedagogical knowledge including theory, student development, planning, and implementation, but no statistical difference in their scores measuring science teaching efficacy belief. In addition, the correlation results indicated that the science teaching efficacy belief is related to implementation even though the magnitude is relatively moderate.