A Hard Nut to Crack - Improving Primary Trainee Teacher Confidence in Teaching Physical Processes Topics.

Howard, Colin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4791-5542 and Blackmore, Karen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0266-6311 (2015) A Hard Nut to Crack - Improving Primary Trainee Teacher Confidence in Teaching Physical Processes Topics. Science Teacher Education, 73. pp. 20-30. ISSN 175-915X

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Abstract

This article puts forward a model of effective teacher training in primary science in the area of physical processes (highlighted as a potential area of concern in children’s learning, Ofsted 2011). Throughout their “learning journey” trainee teachers were encouraged to examine their own misconceptions and their awareness of children’s’ alternative frameworks. Before, during and after a six week teaching intervention, trainee teachers reflected upon their own ability to teach topics such as forces. Progress was monitored by trainee teacher written reflective responses to taught university sessions and a questionnaire designed to measure perceived teacher self-efficacy. It was found by using a multisensory, co-constructive training regime that perceived trainee teacher self-efficacy could be improved significantly, resulting in more confident trainee teachers.

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