You Do What You Are Microform A Case Study Of The Manifestation Of Science Teacher Identity In A Curriculum Development Project

The overarching goal of this book volume is to illuminate how research on science teacher identity has deepened and complicated our understanding of the role of identity in examining teacher learning and development. The collective chapters, both theoretical and empirical, present an array of conceptual underpinnings that have been used to frame science teacher identity, document the various methodological approaches that researchers have implemented in order to study science teacher identity within various contexts, and offer empirical evidence about science teacher identity development. The findings of the studies presented in this volume support the argument that teacher identity is a dynamic, multidimensional and comprehensive construct, which provides a powerful lens for studying science teacher learning and development for various reasons. First, it pushes our boundaries by extending our definitions of science teacher learning and development as it proposes new ways of conceptualizing the processes of becoming a science teacher. Second, it emphasizes the role of the context on science teacher learning and development and pays attention to the experiences that teachers have as members of various communities. Third, it allows us to examine the impact of various sub-identities, personal histories, emotions, and social markers, such as ethnicity, race, and class, on science teachers’ identity development. The book aims at making a unique and deeply critical contribution to notions around science teacher identity by proposing fresh theoretical perspectives, providing empirical evidence about identity development, offering a set of implications for science teacher preparation, and recommending directions for future research.

This text proposes a model of teacher development as social, personal and professional development, and is based on the findings of a three year New Zealand research project. The project investigated the teacher development of some teachers of science working to: implement the findings of the previous "Learning in Science" projects; take into account students' thinking; and base their thinking on a constructivist view of learning. The factors that helped teacher development are discussed as is a view of learning to underpin teacher development. This book is intended to be of interest to teachers, teacher educators, teacher developers, school managers and policy makers working in all curriculum areas.

The overarching goal of this book volume is to illuminate how research on science teacher identity has deepened and complicated our understanding of the role of identity in examining teacher learning and development. The collective chapters, both theoretical and empirical, present an array of conceptual underpinnings that have been used to frame science teacher identity, document the various methodological approaches that researchers have implemented in order to study science teacher identity within various contexts, and offer empirical evidence about science teacher identity development. The findings of the studies presented in this volume support the argument that teacher identity is a dynamic, multidimensional and comprehensive construct, which provides a powerful lens for studying science teacher learning and development for various reasons. First, it pushes our boundaries by extending our definitions of science teacher learning and development as it proposes new ways of conceptualizing the processes of becoming a science teacher. Second, it emphasizes the role of the context on science teacher learning and development and pays attention to the experiences that teachers have as members of various communities. Third, it allows us to examine the impact of various sub-identities, personal histories, emotions, and social markers, such as ethnicity, race, and class, on science teachers’ identity development. The book aims at making a unique and deeply critical contribution to notions around science teacher identity by proposing fresh theoretical perspectives, providing empirical evidence about identity development, offering a set of implications for science teacher preparation, and recommending directions for future research.

This book presents the findings of a case study conducted in a Māori medium school where a space was created for Pūtaiao (Western science) teaching and learning from year 1 to 13. Science is currently taught in Te Reo Māori in primary school and in English in secondary school, and evidence suggests that students are engaging in science education, learning to investigate, and achieving in science. In New Zealand, most students attend English medium state schools; however, approximately 15% of indegenous students attend Māori medium schools. These schools are underpinned with Kura Kaupapa Māori philosophy, which is culturally specific to Māori and aims to revitalise the Māori language, and Māori knowledge and culture. Māori students’ engagement and achievement continues to be a challenge for both mainstream and Māori medium schools, teachers and students due to lack of access to science teachers who can teach in Te Reo Māori. School leaders and whanau (families) believed that by year 9 (age 13) their students had developed their identity as Māori, and were proficient in Te Reo Māori. They wanted their students to have the option to learn science, experience success and have the choice to conitnue in science, so they made the difficult decision for science to be taught in English in secondary school. The book discusses how teachers in indigenous schools, who have extensive knowledge of culture and context specific pedagogies, can gain confidence to teach science through collaboration with and support from researchers with whom they have developed strong professional relationships.

The Specials Projects (Innovations) Program of the Commonwealth Schools Commission in Australia was established to improve primary and secondary education by encouraging innovation and diversity in teaching through grants to individuals, usually teachers. This study focuses on the professional development of the teachers involved. Forty-five grantees took part in an interview at the conclusion of their innovative projects and also completed a self-rating questionnaire. From the data obtained, interview extracts were selected which seemed to be representative of and consistent with general responses of the entire group. Case studies are presented which illustrate the relationship between change and experience in individual cases. Summaries of the grantees' experiences delineate the development of their projects from conception to evaluation and beyond, focusing on their actions and decisions, ego involvement, and professional idealism. A technical report presents a detailed examination of the study, its implementation, and implications for professional self-development and innovation. (JD)