Elementary Science Specialists: A Pilot Study of Current Models And a Call for Participation in The Research

摘要: The authors report an empirical pilot study of current models elementary science instruction that utilize specialists, and make a call for the participation schools districts use specialist model to assist in collecting descriptive data needed create foundation future research on impact specialists. What learning experiences do students need achieve scientific literacy? How are these best provided? These questions have long been focus reform (AAAS, 1993; Appleton, 2007; NRC, 1996). Paramount among recommendations is children should be active learners, constructing understanding through hands- on/minds-on inquiry experiences. Young learners engage investigations wherein they ask questions, collect sense data, come conclusions supported by evidence (NRC, 2000; 2007). Students investigate "authentic generated from student experiences" 2000, p. 31). experience such develop positive attitudes, skills, knowledge about relationship between society. involve collaboration communication as build expertise confidence. This instructional approach places demands teacher beyond content traditional pedagogical knowledge. Gess-Newsome (1999) describes four attributes required teachers provide effective instruction: (1) Content attitudes: "... elements literacy: conceptual knowledge, nature science, integration, relevance. Attitudes support teaching include enthusiasm willingness time recognize all right engaged meaningful instruction. Teachers with attitudes toward will encourage similar their modeling curiosity, using problem solving approaches when answering relying being skeptical explanations while open new ideas, respecting reason honesty." (p. 2) (2) Pedagogical skill: plan, implement, assess involvement "Activities inquiry-oriented, social construction accurate classroom community" 2). (3) Knowledge students: category includes development; misconceptions; one's class recognizes opportunities garner interest relevant connections (4) curriculum: allows select, adapt, or materials meet Student needs how combine coordinated program both across grade levels . curriculum ..." not only expected areas regarding also other subjects teach. Few would doubt importance education today's However, age No Child Left Behind, has given lower priority than reading mathematics, resulting even less devoted (Griffith & Scharmann, 2008; Sandler, 2003). early quality high-stakes testing created dilemma settings. type help learner? Most limited general, let alone (Smith Anderson, 1999). …