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Can Inquiry and Reflection be Contagious? Science Teachers, Students, and Action Research

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Journal of Science Teacher Education

Abstract

This study reports the transformations of 3 science teachers who conducted action research projects following a model, unique to our graduate program, which follows the theoretical tenets of adult and transformative learning theory. Teachers video their teaching, engage in weekly peer group collaborative reflection sessions, collaborate with students, and consult with other sources to identify goals for improving their teaching practices, develop action plans, and analyze the results of their actions. As a result of this process, all 3 teachers changed their pedagogical approach from a teacher centered textbook driven approach to a student centered inquiry based approach. Implications of using this model as a powerful means of professional development for science teachers are explored.

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Correspondence to Kimberly Lebak.

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Lebak, K., Tinsley, R. Can Inquiry and Reflection be Contagious? Science Teachers, Students, and Action Research. J Sci Teacher Educ 21, 953–970 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-010-9216-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-010-9216-x

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