Effects performing authentic research has on secondary science educators' classroom practices: Year two

CHED 1480

Jeff D Weld, jeff.weld@uni.edu1, Dawn I. Del Carlo, dawn.delcarlo@uni.edu2, John Ophus, john.ophus@uni.edu1, and Andrea VanWaardhuizen, andreajv@uni.edu2. (1) Department of Biology, University of Northern Iowa, MSH 144, Cedar Fall, IA 50614-0421, (2) Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Northern Iowa, MSH 243, Cedar Falls, IA 50613-0423
Research Avenues for Iowa's Science Educators (RAISE) is a summer program for teachers beginning its third year of operation, and was introduced at the spring 2007 ACS meeting. Consistent with NSES for professional development, RAISE gives secondary science teachers the opportunity to increase content knowledge, understand processes of scientific discovery, and improve classroom practices through an authentic scientific research experience. These goals are continually assessed through action research using structured and open-ended surveys of all participants in conjunction with semi-structured interviews with teacher participants. After their research experience, 2006 teacher participants improved their interactions with students, incorporated characteristics of scientific research into their classrooms, developed a deeper understanding of scientific processes, and believe their students reflect these views of science. These outcomes were used as focal points for the summer 2007 cohort with the intent to bring about a more pronounced change in teacher practices the second year. Results from the 2007 cohort will be discussed along with anticipated foci for the summer 2008 cohort.
 

Chemistry Education Research
1:30 PM-4:55 PM, Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Hilton New Orleans Riverside -- HEC A, Oral

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008