skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Journal Article: Using Scientists and Real-World Scenarios in Professional Development for Middle School Science Teachers

Journal Article · · Journal of Science Teacher Education, 18(2):165-184

Middle school science teachers were involved in a problem-solving experience presented and guided by research scientists. Data on the teachers’ perspectives about this professional development and any impact it may have had on their teaching practices were collected through interviews, surveys, and classroom observations. The findings show that the professional development experience was positive, although one concern expressed by teachers was their lack of understanding of the scientists’ vocabulary. Using scientists and real-world scenarios was shown to be an effective strategy for encouraging middle school teachers to teach science as a process and help them strengthen their science content understanding.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
941000
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-62978; TRN: US200824%%330
Journal Information:
Journal of Science Teacher Education, 18(2):165-184, Vol. 18, Issue 2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English