The Elementary Science Teaching Rationale (STR): Analysis via a Preservice Teacher Self-Report Instrument

This paper represents Part I* of a two-part study examining preservice teachers' development of a personalized, research-based Science Teaching Rationale (STR). Researchers have historically documented the application of the "rationale paper" (Clough, 1992; Veronesi, 1998) using quali...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of elementary science education Vol. 16; no. 1; pp. 21 - 34
Main Authors Varrella, Gary F., Veronesi, Peter D.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Curry School of Education, University of Virginia 01.10.2004
Western Illinois University
Subjects
Construct Validity
Educational research
Elementary School Science
Elementary School Teachers
Evaluation Methods
Factor Analysis
Methods courses
Preservice Teachers
Questionnaires
Reliability
Science education
Science Instruction
Science teachers
Scientific Research
Statistical Analysis
Teacher education
Teachers
Teaching Methods
Writing instruction
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Summary:This paper represents Part I* of a two-part study examining preservice teachers' development of a personalized, research-based Science Teaching Rationale (STR). Researchers have historically documented the application of the "rationale paper" (Clough, 1992; Veronesi, 1998) using qualitative methodologies. Since the rationale paper continues to receive attention at conferences (e. g., at the annual conference of the Association for the Education of Teachers in Science) and grow in popularity as a term assignment among science educators, further study was warranted. This quantitatively dominant study, using the "Self-Report Instrument for the STR," is the first work of its kind on the STR. It adds to the body of understanding regarding its impact on the thinking and dispositions toward science teaching of preservice elementary teachers. Discussion on development, implications, and elements of instrument reliability and validity are included.
ISSN:1090-185X
2168-8753
DOI:10.1007/BF03174748