Publication Date
2009
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
Lisa Kenyon (Advisor), Thomas Rooney (Committee Member), Melissa Schen (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
For teachers to effectively engage students in scientific modeling, they require pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) for this practice. This study examines how preservice elementary teachers develop PCK for scientific modeling when given modeling centered instruction in a science methods course. Our findings indicate preservice teachers made significant pedagogical gains in this practice, shifting from using models as static products to using them as thinking tools for students to develop science content knowledge. However, few viewed learning the practice of scientific modeling as an important learning goal. Preservice teachers also had difficulty translating the depth of their understandings into lesson designs, particularly in regard to model use, revision, and metamodeling knowledge. By highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of PCK for scientific modeling that develop within the context of specific instructional supports, this research suggests areas of focus and potential methods to improve preservice teacher education in modeling.
Page Count
87
Department or Program
Department of Biological Sciences
Year Degree Awarded
2009
Copyright
Copyright 2009, all rights reserved. This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.
