Share Paper: Getting Your Feet WET from Afar: Reimagining Secondary Science Methods for Distance Teaching and Learning

  1. Jim Ekins, University of Idaho Extension Water Outreach, United States
  2. Tonia A. Dousay, University of Idaho, United States
  3. Cindy Busche, Boise WaterShed Environmental Education Center, United States
  4. Chloe Doucette, Museum of Idaho, United States
Thursday, April 14 10:15-10:45 AM Tidepool 3

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic brought unique challenges to teacher education, reducing access to traditional clinical experiences for preservice teachers. Unfortunately, teacher education, at large, and science teacher preparation, in particular, had few answers and many questions about how to address this challenge. This case study investigated preservice science teachers’ engagement and performance in Secondary Science Methods to evaluate changes to clinical experience coursework. These changes included a non-traditional science outreach partnership to provide authentic virtual clinical experiences and course modifications to ensure preparation for the experiences. Case study data included instructor course design notes, partnership notes, instructor and mentor observational notes, ...