Share Paper: Elementary Teacher Preparation and Scientist Perceptions and Beliefs

  1. Katherine Dabney, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States
Monday, April 11 1:45 PM-2:05 PM Tidepool 4

Abstract: Teachers influence students’ dispositions towards science; therefore, it is important to consider elementary teachers’ perception and beliefs of scientists as a factor in science education. This qualitative study examines elementary Master of Teaching preservice teachers (a traditional graduate degree licensure program) and elementary post-baccalaureate certificate preservice teachers (an alternative licensure program) perception and beliefs of scientists and science. Twenty-eight preservice teachers completed the Draw-A-Scientist Test in the first year of their graduate teacher education programs’ elementary science methods course. The results were examined by the Draw-A-Scientist Test Checklist to describe and compare elementary preservice teachers’ perceptions and beliefs about scientists ...