Importance of Teachers in Teaching Science
Discuss About The Teachers Teaching Science In Primary School.
The teaching of science in Primary school in the past held the assumption that learners do not enjoy science despite the fact the subject had many opportunities for practical and inquiry learning approaches and also the fact that the issue had elements which provided awe and wonder to the students. However, according to (Ward & Roden, 2016), the subject has suffered for reasons individually attached related to teaching which brings us to the role of teachers in teaching science at the primary level. The teacher or the subject leaders play a critical role in continuing professional development and enhance the learning of science for primary learners (Harlen, 2017). The teaching of science at primary schools has experienced a sustained emphasis that it should be done through inquiry since students not only learn about science but also seek to do science. Such focus has been one of the most significant challenges facing teachers teaching inquiry science and can be attached to the reasons why the subject has suffered in the past. The teachers, in this case, have been found to possess an individual feeling that they lack sufficient knowledge and pedagogical skills to teach inquiry science and therefore resulting to poor interest (Gillies & Nichols, 2015). Such an analysis shows that the success or failure of training inquiry science at primary school can be attributed to the different perceptions held by teachers towards the subject which eventually transfer the same negative energy to the students. In their research, Hellen Ward and Roden have provided evidence that the learner’s perception of science has changed and now science is understood as a diverse and fascinating subject. Therefore, they propose that current view of science is unrealistic and outdated in the 21st century.
Teachers play an essential role in teaching efficacy of science in primary schools, and therefore it is necessary to understand their beliefs and attitudes since they can contribute positively or negatively to teaching science and professional development in future (Petersen & Treagust, 2014). Teachers or teaching self-efficacy has been developed under Albert Bandura theory of social cognitive and is understood to be an individual perception which impacts how people feel, thinks, motivate themselves as well as behave. The teaching of science in primary school has been one field where self-efficacy concept has been found to be useful as it plays a vital role in developing individual competence levels and therefore teachers of science can create a productive learning environment (Palmer et al., 2015). Science teaching efficacy is consequently connected to the whole classroom experience and practices which shows that teacher attitudes and beliefs are significant in active learning of science.
Impact of Teachers’ Attitudes and Beliefs on Teaching Science
It is the teacher’s responsibility to develop a plan for teaching and learning experience with the course. This shows that their attitudes towards the subject will influence their planning and organization of the course which can positively or negatively in enhancing professional development and practice in the future (Velthuis et al., 2014). If the attitude is negative, then the teacher will avoid teaching inquiry science which is very important in science development while if the position is favorable, the teachers will seek to acquire skills and experiences during their pre-service and teachers’ development programs to develop science teaching efficacy and improve their knowledge. The teachers have a responsibility to provide feedback which is very important in impacting on the students’ performance as well as modeling effective science teaching practices in their classrooms (Sharp et al., 2017). It is the teacher role to assist their students collaborates with other teachers of science which will provide them with an opportunity to acquire extensive science teaching experience. To achieve this, Albert Bandura in his social cognitive theory argues that teacher can help their students to make calibration through identification of their self-efficacy and actual capabilities. However, it is essential for them to reduce the negative attitudes towards science teaching and promote the positive or realistic aspects of education.
In her study, Hellen Ward has been actively involved in the development of scientific studies. She has been working as a principal lecturer at the Canterbury Christ Church University and has developed resources as well as leading materials to support the teaching and learning of science. In her analysis, she sought to establish the impact of renewing the Australian primary curriculum to science teaching performance as well as to change the belief that leaners did not enjoy learning science in primary schools. She was able to establish that the subject was the least taught in Australia and the reason for this was attributed to weaknesses in teaching (Flores, 2015). The teachers of science were found to have a feeling that they lacked sufficient knowledge of the subject. However, she was able to explore different perspectives and proposed that the current view of science was unrealistic and outdated. She suggested that the current perception had changed and that learners understand science in the modern education system to be diverse and fascinating. She advocated for a change in teacher attitudes towards science or towards teaching and their classroom behavior when teaching science.
The Role of Self-efficacy in Teaching Science
Improving the primary school teacher’s attitude towards through development of an approach focused professional courses have been found to be a very resource in enhancing the teaching of science in primary schools. In an article written by (Van Aalderen?Smeets et al., 2015), which involved an investigation of the impact of teaching courses on teachers of science established some positive effect on individual teacher attitudes towards science. In their study they confirmed that the class was able to help the teachers improve on their self-efficacy, there was decreased anxiety which affected classroom activities and could understand the relevance of their beliefs and attitudes in professional development. Therefore compared to merely being engaged in Science teaching, a focused attitude approach was found to be more effective in changing or improving the teacher’s attitude and science teaching behaviors. Therefore the success of teaching science in primary schools can be attributed to the role played by teachers in developing an enabling environment for learning (Koh et al., 2015). Such a situation will begin by the change of teacher’s attitudes and beliefs which are believed to be outdated and unrealistic in 21st century towards teaching science. Their experiences and professional development capabilities will play a vital role in enhancing self-efficacy which will contribute positively to the development of effective teaching and learning experience courses.
The papers presented in this section represent some academic research journals which have conducted by various scholars and have been peer-reviewed and cover intensive analysis of teaching of science in primary schools, and the role played by teachers.
Petersen, J. E., & Treagust, D. F. (2014). School and University Partnerships: The Role of Teacher Education Institutions and Primary Schools in the Development of Preservice Teachers’ Science Teaching Efficacy. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 39(9). https://dx.doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2014v39n9.2
Petersen and Treagust in their research have developed a study to investigate the role of teacher education institutions` and primary schools in science training development. In their study, they examined the impact of the renewal implementation of the Australian curriculum and found that despite the curriculum renewal the science results of the primary students did not change. Such results of their study helped them in understanding that the performance in science is not attributed to the curriculum, but there was a significant issue of concern that was to be addressed. They also established that science was the least taught the subject in Australia primary school curriculum and therefore sought to understand the role of the teachers in teaching science.
Importance of Professional Development in Enhancing Teaching Efficacy
Their research has emphasized on the importance of teaching self-efficacy and performance as a way of changing the teacher beliefs and attitudes towards teaching science in primary school since many believed that they did not possess the right skills or lacked the knowledge to teach science and especially inquiry science. They proposed that there is a significant need to incorporate activity-based science coursework as it has been found to contribute positively towards (Korur et al., 2016). The need for practical experience was identified in the development of science learning efficacy and the researcher recommended on the development of science partnerships between Australia Tertiary Institutions as well as the primary schools in a bid to increase science teaching efficacy and reduce the negative beliefs and attitudes towards science teaching.
Sandra I. van Aalderen-Smeets, Juliette H. Walma van der Molen, Erna G. W. C. M. van Hest and Cindy Poortman, Primary teachers conducting inquiry projects: effects on attitudes towards teaching science and conducting an inquiry, International Journal of Science Education, 39, 2, (238), (2017).
The authors of this journal sought to establish the behavior of primary science teachers towards teaching science as well as on conducting science inquiry in a bid to help in developing science teaching efficacy in the future. The study therefore aimed at establishing whether teacher’s participation in a large scale project would improve their attitudes towards science teaching as well as towards conducting scientific inquiry. However, the result of their findings established that the primary teachers were less anxious about teaching science and in most cases; they felt more dependent on the science contextual factors compared to group factors (Bilgin et al., 2015). In their assessment of the behavior regarding teachers conducting an inquiry, they found that the teachers were less anxious and more able to undertake an inquiry project. They, therefore, supported prior research which showed that attitude focused professional development had a profound impact on primary teachers’ attitudes. They proposed that future science development in primary school teaching should focus on attitude change on behalf of the teachers as well as familiarize with inquiry since an effective science teaching will require students to inquire different concepts from the teachers.
Mark Boylan, Mike Coldwell, Bronwen Maxwell and Julie Jordan, Rethinking models of professional learning as tools: a conceptual analysis to inform research and practice, Journal of Professional Development in Education, 44, 1, (120), (2018)
In their journal of professional development, Mark Boylan and co-workers researched to analyze as well as criticize the significance of contemporary examining models in advancing professional development. They, therefore, examined different models including three variation path models, the cognitive learning model as developed by Evans and lastly the system conceptualization learning model by Opter and Pedder. From there analysis and critique of the above theories, they were able to identify similarities in the model, some differences, inconsistencies as well as some limitations to the scope of knowledge established by the model. They argued that their analysis and critique provided a basis for a reconceptualization of learning models in teaching science alongside with other classroom and practical experiences. They recommend therefore the conceptualization of different learning models to enhance future professional development. It is the role of teacher educator to develop these concepts and models which will improve science teaching efficacy in the future.
Research Studies
Sandra I. van Aalderen-Smeets and Juliette H. Walma van der Molen, Modeling the relation between students’ implicit beliefs about their abilities and their educational STEM choices, International Journal of Technology and Design Education, (2016).
In our analysis of the role of science teachers in primary schools we established that one of their purposes was to assist students in developing competence by modeling effective science teaching practices .in their journal of technology and design education (Sandra et al., 2018) were interested in shaping the relationship between students implied beliefs on science in order to establish their abilities and capabilities on what informs their decisions when choosing science subjects such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The research findings indicated that their choices were guided by three main essential factors which include; self-efficacy belief, stereotypical belief as well as motivational believe. It is crucial is the role teachers of science in primary schools to help their students develop self-efficacy, reduce their stereotype think and also motivate them on the wonder and awe of learning science in a fascinating manner.
Lieve Thibaut, Heidi Knipprath, Wim Dehaene and Fien Depaepe, How school context and personal factors related to teachers’ attitudes toward teaching integrated STEM, International Journal of Technology and Design Education, (2017)
Another analysis of teacher’s attitude and its impact on science teaching based on school context as well as personal factors was done by (Lieve Thibaut et al., 2017). They aimed to establish the correlation between the school context and teachers attitudes towards science teaching. Despite the growing interest of students in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the effectiveness of implementation of science learning was strongly found to be dependent on teacher’s attitude and competencies. During their research, they were able to identify the factors influencing teacher’s attitude by which the school administrator can seek to improve in a bid to enhance professional development in science teaching. The identified factors included the teachers of science professional development initiatives, personal relevance or in this case the teacher’s relevance to science and social context. Therefore improving the school social context, developing professional development initiatives as well as personal significance towards science can be very active in professional development.
Van Aalderen-Smeets, S. I., & Walma van der Molen, J. H. (2015). Improving primary teachers’ attitudes toward science by attitude-focused professional development. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 52(5), 710–734.
In their journal of research in science teaching, Van Aalderen and Walma focused on developing a study that will improve primary teacher’s attitudes toward science by implementing an approach targeted professional development. To achieve this, they developed a training course that was aimed at understanding the teacher’s attitudes towards science, towards the teaching science as well as their teaching behaviors. At the end of their course they identified that there was a significant improvement on teacher’s self-efficacy beliefs regarding science teaching, the teachers were found to enjoy science teaching more, and there was the tremendous positive impact on teacher’s science teaching behaviors in the classroom. They, therefore, recommended that developing and implementing a focused attitude approach is more effective in changing teacher’s attitudes and behaviors compared to traditional teaching.
Velthuis, C., Fisser, P., & Pieters, J. (2014). Teacher training and pre-service primary teachers’ self-efficacy for science teaching. Journal of science teacher education, 25(4), 445-464.
The Journal of science teacher education, Velthuis and coworkers focused on developing a teacher training and pre-service primary teacher self-efficacy for science teaching. In their study, they focused on the improvement of pre-service teacher’s self-efficacy by developing science training courses within the teaching program. The results of their findings showed that self-efficacy of pre-service teachers had improved within the first and second years of science teaching but not during the third and fourth year. Therefore they proposed for the development and implementation of teacher training and pre-service primary teachers’ self-efficacy programs which will enhance professional development as well as science teaching in primary schools.
Korur, F., Vargas, R. V., & Serrano, N. T. (2016). Attitude toward Science Teaching of Spanish and Turkish In-service Elementary Teachers: Multi-group Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 12(2).
The authors of this journal conducted an elementary analysis to help understand the attitude towards science teaching in both Spain and Turkish In pure service teachers. They provided that having a positive attitude towards science teaching from both teachers and students can play a significant role in encouraging students to develop positive attitudes toward science learning. They developed an approach called DAS (dimension of attitude towards science) which showed that most teachers in both countries were against gender stereotyping in science teaching and that both genders had an opportunity to develop their science skills. Their study showed that cognitive development theory, as well as social cognitive aspects of education, played a significant role in enhancing professional development in science teaching.
From the above peer review process, I was able to learn that teacher play an essential role in contributing to the professional development and also in enhancing science teaching. My prior assumption was the poor performance in science was significantly contributed to students stereotyping behavior as well as the poor negative attitudes towards the subject. However, the review process has been able to identify the role played by science teachers in enhancing science teaching in professional development.
I was able to learn that the beliefs and attitudes of teachers play a significant role in enhancing science teaching. From the peer review journal by Helen which focused on understanding science teaching and performance which showed that despite curriculum review there was no impact on improving the science performance. This indicated that it is not the content or applicability of science course as general but more of cognitive development and social context which influence teacher’s attitudes at school context or an individual level. The teacher should create the best environment for the students to learn which calls for a change in their attitude towards science teaching and their classroom behaviors. It helped me in developing concepts and knowledge on science teaching through an understanding of the various factors influencing teacher’s attitude and provided useful insights on how science teaching self-efficacy can be achieved as well as providing multiple knowledge gaps in science teaching which can be used to enhance professional development in the field of science. Lastly, the knowledge from the peer review process has contributed significantly to the development of the attitude focused professional development strategy as the best mechanism to improve science teaching in Primary schools.
References
Bilgin, I., Karakuyu, Y., & Ay, Y. (2015). The effects of project based learning on undergraduate students’ achievement and self-efficacy beliefs towards science teaching. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 11(3), 469-477.
Flores, I. M. (2015). Developing preservice teachers’ self-efficacy through field-based science teaching practice with elementary students. Research in Higher Education Journal, 27, 1.
Gillies, R. M., & Nichols, K. (2015). How to support primary teachers’ implementation of inquiry: teachers’ reflections on teaching cooperative inquiry-based science. Research in Science Education, 45(2), 171-191.
Harlen, W. (2017). The teaching of science in primary schools. David Fulton Publishers.
Koh, J. H. L., Chai, C. S., Hong, H. Y., & Tsai, C. C. (2015). A survey to examine teachers’ perceptions of design dispositions, lesson design practices, and their relationships with technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK). Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, 43(5), 378-391.
Korur, F., Vargas, R. V., & Serrano, N. T. (2016). Attitude toward Science Teaching of Spanish and Turkish In-service Elementary Teachers: Multi-group Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 12(2).
Lieve Thibaut, Heidi Knipprath, Wim Dehaene and Fien Depaepe, How school context and personal factors relate to teachers’ attitudes toward teaching integrated STEM, International Journal of Technology and Design Education, (2017).
Luke, A. (2018). The social construction of literacy in the primary school. In Critical Literacy, Schooling, and Social Justice (pp. 28-74). Routledge.
Mark Boylan, Mike Coldwell, Bronwen Maxwell and Julie Jordan, Rethinking models of professional learning as tools: a conceptual analysis to inform research and practice, Professional Development in Education, 44, 1, (120), (2018).
McKinnon, M., & Lamberts, R. (2014). Influencing science teaching self-efficacy beliefs of primary school teachers: A longitudinal case study. International Journal of Science Education, Part B, 4(2), 172-194.
Palmer, D., Dixon, J., & Archer, J. (2015). Changes in Science Teaching Self-Efficacy among Primary Teacher Education Students. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 40(12), n12.
Petersen, J. E., & Treagust, D. F. (2014). School and university partnerships: The role of teacher education institutions and primary schools in the development of preservice teachers’ science teaching efficacy. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 39(9), 10.
Petersen, J. E., & Treagust, D. F. (2014). School and University Partnerships: The Role of Teacher Education Institutions and Primary Schools in the Development of Preservice Teachers’ Science Teaching Efficacy. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 39(9). https://dx.doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2014v39n9.2
Sandra I. van Aalderen-Smeets and Juliette H. Walma van der Molen, Modeling the relation between students’ implicit beliefs about their abilities and their educational STEM choices, International Journal of Technology and Design Education, (2016).
Sandra I. van Aalderen-Smeets, Juliette H. Walma van der Molen, Erna G. W. C. M. van Hest and Cindy Poortman, Primary teachers conducting inquiry projects: effects on attitudes towards teaching science and conducting inquiry, International Journal of Science Education, 39, 2, (238), (2017).
Sharp, J., Peacock, G., Johnsey, R., Simon, S., Smith, R., Cross, A., & Harris, D. (2017). Primary science: teaching theory and practice. Learning Matters.
van Aalderen?Smeets, S. I., & Walma van der Molen, J. H. (2015). Improving primary teachers’ attitudes toward science by attitude?focused professional development. Journal of research in science teaching, 52(5), 710-734.
Velthuis, C., Fisser, P., & Pieters, J. (2014). Teacher training and pre-service primary teachers’ self-efficacy for science teaching. Journal of science teacher education, 25(4), 445-464.
Velthuis, C., Fisser, P., & Pieters, J. (2014). Teacher training and pre-service primary teachers’ self-efficacy for science teaching. Journal of science teacher education, 25(4), 445-464.
Ward, H., & Roden, J. (Eds.). (2016). Teaching science in the primary classroom. Sage.
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