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An Instructional Strategy to Introduce Pedagogical Content Knowledge Using Venn Diagrams

  • Published:
Journal of Science Teacher Education

Abstract

This paper describes the use of a three-circle Venn diagram as a vehicle for introducing pre-service elementary teachers to pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). Each circle of the diagram represents pedagogy, content and context individually. The overlap of any two circles represents the interaction between the circles. For example, the overlap of pedagogy and context relates to the ways that each of these general topics influences the other. The overlap of all three circles represents a complete lesson that is an integration of the three major components of PCK. The Venn diagram is an easily remembered graphic illustration of PCK that can be useful in planning lessons. The use of this graphic organizer in a science capstone course required of all pre-service elementary teachers is described.

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Acknowledgment

The authors wish to thank Adrianna Soranno (lunar phases) and Hanadi Hourani, Justina Kish and Kristen Regits (plants) for permission to use their Venn diagrams in this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Education, University of Michigan-Dearborn, 19000 Hubbard Dr., Dearborn, MI, 48126, USA

    Charlotte A. Otto & Susan A. Everett

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  1. Charlotte A. Otto
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  2. Susan A. Everett
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Correspondence to Susan A. Everett.

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Otto, C.A., Everett, S.A. An Instructional Strategy to Introduce Pedagogical Content Knowledge Using Venn Diagrams. J Sci Teacher Educ 24, 391–403 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-012-9272-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-012-9272-5

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