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General Science and Teaching

The Need for Science Literacy

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Donna Short Donna Short 50 Points

I am an educational science professor for undergraduate teaching majors. It has been an uphill battle to promote more need for science instruction in the k-5 classrooms. If my undergraduate students have gaps in their science literacy training, then how can these same students teach science to K-5? 

Any ideas on how I can support my undergrad students to feel more comfortable and confident in teaching science? 

Madelyn Bender Madelyn Bender 608 Points

Hi Donna, I am a preservice elementary teacher, and I understand your concern. Originally, I was not looking forward to having to teach science because I didn’t like it or understand the concepts as well as other subjects. After taking several courses that encourage cross-curricular lessons and activities to include subjects like science into math and reading which get the most time in elementary classrooms, I am more open and excited to teach science. Additionally, in my elementary science methods class I have learned how fun and engaging science lessons can be. Students can be creative and have lots of inquiries in science which I think is super beneficial. I think if you can teach your undergrad students ways to teach science cross-curricular and differentiate science into fun and engaging lessons they will feel more comfortable about teaching science in the future. I hope this helps!

Emily Martin Emily Martin 2443 Points

Hi Donna, It’s fantastic that you’re working to empower future educators to embrace science teaching at the K-5 level! As you rightly point out, if your undergraduate students have gaps in their own science literacy, it can be challenging for them to teach it effectively to younger students. However, there are several strategies you can employ to help bridge these gaps and build both the confidence and competence of your students in teaching science. Many undergraduate students, especially those not majoring in science, may have developed a fixed mindset toward the subject, seeing it as difficult or beyond their ability. You can begin by helping them see that science is a learnable skill and encourage a growth mindset. One of the biggest challenges for future teachers is not just knowing the science content but knowing how to teach it effectively. Help your students develop pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), which is the ability to teach science in ways that are accessible, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for K-5 students. I hope this helps!

Claire Lusk Claire 30 Points

I am glad you are looking for ways to better empower and prepare future educators. As someone who had some questionable education instruction during my undergrad, it is always heartening to see professors working towards excellence. My recommendation would be to remind them that the instruction and examples they receive in school will not always (or hardly ever) align with the real experience in a classroom. Being a substitute teacher or having a field placement is not the same as having a classroom where you have to manage all 20-30 students at one time by yourself. Being prepared for that sudden shift and overwhelm is honestly so much more helpful than most other information a new teacher could have. 

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