Understanding Teacher Expertise In Primary Science

What does it mean to be an expert primary science practitioner? How do primary teachers use science subject knowledge in their practice? This book addresses these questions from a sociocultural perspective, challenging currently influential constructivist accounts. It treats the nature of teacher expertise as a dynamic capacity exemplified by those who are recognised as experts in their local communities of practice. In line with this, it provides an in-depth case study of the perspective and practices of a primary science teacher who is locally and more widely recognised as an expert practitioner. One of the conclusions is that primary science expertise is eclectic in character, requiring the employment, in a flexible way, of a variety of forms of knowledge, views of learning, and teaching strategies in order to deal successfully with the contingent situations faced in the classroom. The study of expertise-in-action is particularly important at a time when teaching is increasingly configured in terms of competencies and standards. Its implications for the education of primary science practitioners are profound. Students on education courses, teachers, and researchers will find this book of value for its careful exploration of arguments about the nature of knowledge and learning, and how these are implicated in classroom practice.

Develops secure subject knowledge for primary science with the ability to test understanding through the new online resources.

Now in its Third Edition, this text provides the background knowledge primary teachers need to plan effective programmes of work and answer children′s questions with confidence. The new edition links explanations of scientific concepts with children′s everyday experiences to help teachers and trainees foresee how they will present the subject knowledge to their pupils. Shaped by the National Curriculum, this text explains key scientific theories and concepts which pupils at primary level, including very able children, need in order to understand the observations and investigations they undertake. A CD ROM of 200 science investigations for young students is included with the new edition, allowing teachers to explore the practical application of topics covered in the book. This is an essential book for teachers, student teachers and anyone interested in the roots and growth of science education.

Brings teaching primary science to life, with dedicated chapters for chemistry, physics, biology and earth and environmental science.

This book provides an exceptional insight into how children learn science, as well as which teaching approaches have been found to be most successful. Drawing on the significant body of research carried out over the past 35 years, the book provides valuable evidence about which tried-and–tested approaches enhance learning and help children actually learn science. The book:• supports you in becoming more effective in teaching primary science• offers a reliable evidential base, founded on significant research findings• helps you make informed choices about which approaches to use in your teaching repertoire• provides support for completing your written assignments Overall the text helps you develop your knowledge and understanding of primary science, as well as how best to plan for teaching this important subject. Insights into how children best learn science, together with practical teaching ideas that have been tested in a systematic way, makes this an essential book for primary teachers in training and an invaluable guide for primary teachers teaching science in Key Stages One and Two. “This book makes a major, evidence-based contribution to teaching science in the primary school. It provides a solid grounding for busy teachers to access and use research findings to enhance their professional development and practice. Each chapter provides comprehensive coverage of a science topic, including: revision of subject knowledge; research findings on children's ideas; learning progression; suggested ways to teach, and research exemplars and lesson outlines. This book is a valuable resource for student teachers and for teachers with many years of experience. It is an indispensable addition to every primary teacher’s bookshelf and every university education department.” Rob Toplis, recently Senior Lecturer in Science Education, Brunel University, UK “This is a great ‘why to…’ and ‘how to…’ book. Michael Allen’s use of progressive understanding underscores both the unfolding stories of primary science alongside children’s developing grasp of the key ideas involved. His work is based on a wealth of research that provides the basis for the ‘why to…’ in curriculum organisation and planning. This is then brought to bear on considerable professional experience and classroom practice to provide the ‘how to…’ for teachers, covering a range of important topics in primary science. An excellent compendium of rationales and resources.” Mike Watts, Professor of Education, Brunel University, UK

Dominant theories about primary science contend that knowledge is the key. Ovens challenges this view, showing, through case studies, that inquiry and reflection play a significant part in the learning process. This applies to pupils, teachers and teacher educators. Taking curiosity as a pre-condition for good learning, Ovens shows that it is possible to increase the desire to learn more and learn better, to improve confidence in the ability to inquire, to imbue pupils with the courage to seek improvement, to place trust in collaborative processes, to raise awareness of significant detail and to encourage open-mindedness.

'Thought-provoking and entices the reader to take a discerning look at science.' Claire Garven, MA Senior Lecturer at the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. ̃An approach to planning and teaching primary science that gives children permission to question their own preconceptions. This enables teachers to encourage children to actively think and discuss what they see, and give reasons for their developing scientific ideas. Strongly recommended for teachers who want their children to learn to think scientifically.' Jane Gibson, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of primary science in ITE at the University of St Mark and St John (Marjon), UK This second edition brings science subject knowledge and pedagogy together to support, inform and inspire those training to teach primary science. Written in a clear and accessible way, the book provides comprehensive coverage of science themes. Ideas for teaching and examples from practice provide a basis for inspiring children to explore science and look at the world in new and intriguing ways. Hallmark features Ideas for practice exemplify how you can help children to use scientific knowledge and concepts to satisfy their curiosity about natural phenomena. Something to think about scenarios help to extend and develop your own understanding of key ideas. The companion website includes links to suggested reading and Teachers TV clips for your own development and for use in the classroom. New to this edition A new chapter called Views of Science Learning encourages the teacher to take a central role in helping children develop scientific attitudes, skills and conceptual understanding. Learning Outside the Classroom is a new chapter that provides ideas and guidance that helps to develop children’s scientific skills and knowledge, while also promoting positive attitudes to science. New Global Dimensions sections offer starting points for discussion and research into how scientific ideas can be positively applied and can be used to evaluate the impact of human activity on the natural world. Talk Skills and Science Discussion sections enable you to develop children's scientific knowledge and verbal reasoning skills.