Search results for: Madsen John

The purpose of this study was to examine the ways in which prospective teachers’ conceptions about teaching science as inquiry, and their efficacy for teaching science change across the Science Semester. Entering the Science Semester, the participants related to science as coursework they needed to complete to meet program requirements. The Science Semester was designed to provide inquiry-oriented and problem-based learning experiences, opportunities to examine socially relevant issues through cross-disciplinary perspectives. In contrast to the mixed views on their own learning, all of the participants eagerly embraced the idea that elementary science teaching should involve inquiry-based methods. The idealized image of activity-based experiences for children fulfills their goals for their future classrooms, and is congruent with their goals for a nurturing classroom environment.