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Improving Preservice Middle Grades Science Teachers’ Understanding of the Nature of Science Using Three Instructional Approaches

Journal of Science Teacher Education volume 20, pages 157–177 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in preservice teachers’ understanding of the nature of science (NOS) as a result of four activity-based interventions that represent three instructional approaches used in a middle grades science methods course. Ten participants’ understanding of NOS and their perceptions about the activity-based interventions were investigated. Data were collected using open-ended questionnaires and in-depth interviews before and after the interventions. Written artifacts and recorded group discussions were collected during the interventions. The results of this study showed that inclusion of various approaches to teaching NOS can contribute to developing preservice teachers’ understanding of NOS. The activities complemented each other in the teaching of the NOS components. In addition, the preservice teachers perceived that the four interventions were helpful in improving their understanding of NOS and in preparing them for future teaching.

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Acknowledgment

This material is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. EHR-0314953.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, USA

    Eulsun Seung

  2. Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA

    Lynn A. Bryan

  3. University of South Florida St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL, USA

    Malcolm B. Butler

Authors
  1. Eulsun Seung
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  2. Lynn A. Bryan
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  3. Malcolm B. Butler
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Correspondence to Eulsun Seung.

Appendix

Appendix

Table 3 A module map
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Seung, E., Bryan, L.A. & Butler, M.B. Improving Preservice Middle Grades Science Teachers’ Understanding of the Nature of Science Using Three Instructional Approaches. J Sci Teacher Educ 20, 157–177 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-009-9130-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-009-9130-2

Keywords

  • Nature of science
  • Preservice teachers
  • Explicit approach