Journal Article

Association Between Experienced Teachers' NOS Implementation and Reform-Based Practices

Herman, Benjamin C., Olson, Joanne K., Clough, Michael P.

2013

Overview

The assertion that general reform-based science teaching practices (GRBSTPs) can facilitate nature of science (NOS) instruction has been mentioned in the literature, but rigorous and transparent empirical substantiation for this claim has not been made. This investigation empirically demonstrates an association between thirteen experienced teachers' NOS implementation practices and their GRBSTPs. While effectively implementing GRBSTPs does not ensure the NOS will be taught, the findings show that these practices are associated with high levels of NOS instruction. In this study, teachers who implemented higher levels of reform-based practices were also observed to enact more instances of planned and spontaneous effective NOS instruction. Furthermore, these teachers were more likely to recognize and capitalize on NOS teaching opportunities when they unexpectedly arose in the context of their GRBSTPs. Just as NOS understanding must be assessed when determining factors associated with teachers' NOS implementation, teachers' GRBSTPs should also be empirically and transparently established to ensure they do not mask or confound other factors associated with NOS implementation.

• Publisher: Routledge,Springer,Springer Netherlands,Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subject: Capsules / Classroom Observation Techniques / Classroom observations / Correlation / Education / Education reform / Education research methodology / Educational Practices / Educational research / Experienced Teachers / Instructional Effectiveness / Instructional Innovation / Investigations / Multicultural Education / Nature of science / Pedagogy / Performance Factors / Program Implementation / Reform-based practices / Research Methodology / Science Education / Science Instruction / Science teacher education / Science teachers / Scientific Principles / Student Interests / Students / Teachers / Teaching / Teaching and Teacher Education / Teaching Methods