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Peer mentorship program in scientific literacy for rural elementary teachers

  • Published:
Journal of Elementary Science Education

Abstract

Science education faculty at Western Illinois University worked with the local Educational Service Center to develop and deliver programs to regional teachers under the Illinois Science Literacy Project. Involved were 224 teachers and their principals from 40 school districts. Mentor teachers and teacher teams were identified in each school building and were given increasing levels of responsibility for product production (kits, performance assessment items, parent involvement plans, and community resource guides) as the project continued. Data indicated teacher attitudes toward science became more positive throughout the program, as did teacher confidence with respect to teaching via hands-on approaches.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Elementary Education and Reading at Western Illinois University, 61455, Macomb, IL

    Kevin D. Finson Ph.D. (member of the faculty) & John B. Beaver Ph.D. (member of the faculty)

  2. Educational Service Center No. 11, 210 S. Lafayette, 61455, Macomb, IL

    Linda Hall (science specialist)

Authors
  1. Kevin D. Finson Ph.D.
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  2. John B. Beaver Ph.D.
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  3. Linda Hall
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Finson, K.D., Beaver, J.B. & Hall, L. Peer mentorship program in scientific literacy for rural elementary teachers. J Elem Sci Edu 4, 35–48 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03173582

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03173582

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