Teacher Studies How Science Teachers Teach

A University of Rhode Island team is rewriting the book on teaching elementary teachers how to teach science to children.

The National Science Foundation awarded a $2.25 million grant to education professor Betty Young to study what current and soon-to-be teachers need to hone their skills using exploratory and inquiry-based science lessons.

During the five-year study, called Change Associated with Readiness, Education, and Efficacy in Reform Science, Young will develop and track a new curriculum for elementary education students, the university said. The research team also will study attitudes and the knowledge of education majors and career teachers regarding teaching science, subject knowledge and willingness to change teaching habits.

We have seen that inquiry-based learning works well to engage children in the sciences, but now we need to determine what stops teachers from practicing such a proven approach, Young said. We want to find solutions to overcome the obstacles and develop strategies to change teacher preparation and practice.