Teacher training projects have used university research scientists to conduct workshops for teachers, but because of faculty time constraints and university reward systems, it is unlikely this type of program will be used extensively. This project utilized community college professors whose main focus is teaching science and working with the public school systems. The purpose of the reported study was to examine, qualitatively, the personal development of four professors in conducting an academy for science teachers. From interviews with the professors the following conclusions were made: (1) the professors initially felt the elementary and secondary schools were lacking in the teaching of scientific concepts; (2) after experiencing success and change through the academy, the professors feel they are now an integral part in the development of student's perceptions of science, attitudes toward science, and understanding of scientific concepts; and (3) they feel the need to be teaching in a fashion that is also motivating and nurturing of positive attitudes toward science.(PR)
Seldom do researchers in science education state causal hypotheses they seek to test. Even less often are alternative hypotheses stated, much less tested. Further, science education researchers as a rule confuse hypotheses with predictions. Thus, they stand little chance of conducting research which distinguishes among alternative explanations, and consequently stand little chance of advancing knowledge beyond the Ruling Theory Stage of thinking. The present article offers five research criteria and their rationale intended to help researchers avoid these problems and help them conduct higher-quality research, which should in turn improve the quality of science teaching.
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