Current Search:  Science -- Study and teaching Middle school (x)

View All Items

  • CSV Spreadsheet
(1 - 6 of 6)
Predictors of scientific understanding of middle school students
Title
Predictors of scientific understanding of middle school students.
Creator
Strate, Joshua Matthew., College of Education, Department of Teaching and Learning
Abstract/Description
The purpose of this study was to determine if middle school student scientific understanding could be predicted by the variables: standardized 5th grade score in science, standardized 5th grade score in mathematics, standardized 5th grade score in reading, student attitude towards science, socioeconomic status, gender, and ethnicity. The areas of the comprehensive literature review were trends in science learning and teaching, research in the K-12 science education arena, what factors have...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if middle school student scientific understanding could be predicted by the variables: standardized 5th grade score in science, standardized 5th grade score in mathematics, standardized 5th grade score in reading, student attitude towards science, socioeconomic status, gender, and ethnicity. The areas of the comprehensive literature review were trends in science learning and teaching, research in the K-12 science education arena, what factors have influenced K-12 science education, scientific understanding, what research has been done on K-12 scientific understanding, and what factors have influenced science understanding in the K-12 arenas. Based on the results of the literature review, the researcher of this study examined a sample of middle school 8th grade students. An Attitude Towards Science Survey (SATS) Simpson & Oliver (1990) and a Survey of Scientific Understandings (Klapper, DeLucia, & Trent, 1993) were administered to these 116 middle school 8th grade students drawn from a total population of 1109 who attend this middle school in a typical county in Florida during the 2010- 2011 school year. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test each sub-hypothesis and to provide a model that attempted to predict student scientific understanding. Seven null sub-hypotheses were formed to determine if there were significant relationships between student scientific understanding and the abovementioned variables. The results of the tests of the seven null sub-hypotheses showed that the sub-hypothesis that involved socioeconomic status was rejected, which indicated that the socioeconomic status of a family does influence the level of scientific understanding of a student., Low SES students performed lower on the scientific understanding survey, on average, than high SES students. This study can be a source of information for teachers in low-income schools by recognizing potential areas of concern for low-income students in their science classrooms. The study is also a guide for administrators in developing science curriculum that is designed to remediate critical science content. Recommendations, further research, and implications for stakeholders in the science education process are then identified in order to focus on the concerns that these stakeholders need to address through a needs assessment.
Show less
Date Issued
2011
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3334102
Subject Headings
Science, Study and teaching (Middle school), Science teachers, Training of, Middle school teaching, Achievement in education
Format
Document (PDF)
An examination of how middle school science teachers conduct collaborative inquiry and reflection about students’ conceptual understanding
Title
An examination of how middle school science teachers conduct collaborative inquiry and reflection about students’ conceptual understanding.
Creator
Todd-Gibson, Christine, Weber, Roberta K., College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description
This qualitative case study examined how middle school science teachers conducted collaborative inquiry and reflection about students’ conceptual understanding, and how individual teachers in the middle school science group acted and made reflections in response to their collaborative inquiry. It also examined external influences that affected the teachers’ ability to engage in collaborative inquiry. Observational, written, and interview data were collected from observations of teachers’ face...
Show moreThis qualitative case study examined how middle school science teachers conducted collaborative inquiry and reflection about students’ conceptual understanding, and how individual teachers in the middle school science group acted and made reflections in response to their collaborative inquiry. It also examined external influences that affected the teachers’ ability to engage in collaborative inquiry. Observational, written, and interview data were collected from observations of teachers’ face-to-face meetings and reflections, individual interviews, a focus group interview, and online reflections. The results of this study revealed that collaborative inquiry is a form of professional development that includes answering curricular questions through observation, communication, action, and reflection. This approach was developed and implemented by middle school science teachers. The premise of an inquiry is based on a need with students. Middle school science teachers came to consensus about actions to affect students’ conceptual understanding, took action as stated, and shared their reflections of the actions taken with consideration to current and upcoming school activities. Activities involved teachers brainstorming and sharing with one another, talking about how the variables were merged into their curriculum, and how they impacted students’ conceptual understanding. Teachers valued talking with one another about science content and pedagogy, but did find the inquiry portion of the approach to require more development. The greatest challenge to conducting collaborative inquiry and reflection was embedding teacher inquiry within a prescribed inquiry that was already being conducted by the Sundown School District. Collaborative inquiry should be structured so that it meets the needs of teachers in order to attend to the needs of students. A conducive atmosphere for collaborative inquiry and reflection is one in which administrators make the process mandatory and facilitate the process by removing an existing inquiry.
Show less
Date Issued
2013
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004066
Subject Headings
Achievement in education, Concept learning -- Study and teaching (Middle school), Inquiry (Theory of knowledge), Middle school teaching, Science -- Study and teaching (Middle school), Team learning approach in education
Format
Document (PDF)
A private school leadership perspective on highly qualified middle school science teachers
Title
A private school leadership perspective on highly qualified middle school science teachers.
Creator
Bogaski, Carolyn Siniscalchi, Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description
The purpose of this study was to determine how Florida (FL) private, middle school (MS) leaders define highly qualified (HQ) MS science teachers, and how congruent their definitions are. The study also determines how congruent these leaders’ definitions are with FL, national, and National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) definitions. Lastly, the study determines the major challenges these private MS leaders have in hiring MS science teachers who meet the NSTA definition of HQ.
Date Issued
2015
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004349, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004349
Subject Headings
Comparative education, Educational leadership, School management and organization, Science -- Study and teaching (Middle school)
Format
Document (PDF)
Teaching reading strategies through science to middle school below-level readers and its implications for staff development
Title
Teaching reading strategies through science to middle school below-level readers and its implications for staff development.
Creator
Centrone, Elena Marie, Florida Atlantic University, Urich, Ted R.
Abstract/Description
This study investigated the effect of teaching reading through the content area of science on the reading achievement test scores of middle school below level readers when the science teachers received extensive staff development. Therefore, the staff development model developed and implemented by the researcher was an important part of this study. Participants were 811 seventh and eighth grade students who scored between the 21st and 50th percentile on a standardized measure administered...
Show moreThis study investigated the effect of teaching reading through the content area of science on the reading achievement test scores of middle school below level readers when the science teachers received extensive staff development. Therefore, the staff development model developed and implemented by the researcher was an important part of this study. Participants were 811 seventh and eighth grade students who scored between the 21st and 50th percentile on a standardized measure administered each spring. Four hundred and five students served as the experimental group and 406 students served as the control group. The control group received reading instruction in separate reading classes taught by certified reading teachers. There were 16 teachers from 10 middle schools who volunteered to be a part of this study. The 10 science teachers received 60 hours of staff development that included modeling, coaching, and feedback. There were four full days of training prior to school opening, after school seminars, on site assistance with lesson planning, modeling of lessons, coaching, and feedback. A 2X2 ANCOVA was used to determine statistical relationships between the method of instruction (reading taught through science and reading taught in separate classes) and the grade level of the students (seventh and eighth grades). Informal qualitative data was gathered on the teachers' knowledge base for teaching reading and teacher attitudes regarding their responsibility for teaching reading. A pre- and posttest of teacher knowledge and a pre- and post survey of teacher attitudes were administered to each teacher involved in this study. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in the reading achievement test scores of seventh and eighth grade below-level readers who received reading instruction in science and those who received reading in separate classes of reading taught by certified reading teachers. The informal data showed that the science teachers who were involved in the study did significantly increase their knowledge base about teaching reading through their content area. This was reflected in the difference between their pretest and posttest scores on the test of teacher knowledge. There was also a change in their attitudes about the responsibility for teaching reading. On the pre survey they indicated that the science content should be their main instructional responsibility. On the post survey they indicated that teaching reading should be a major focus of their instruction.
Show less
Date Issued
1996
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12478
Subject Headings
Reading (Middle school), Science--Study and teaching, Reading comprehension, Teachers--In-service training, Reading teachers--Training of
Format
Document (PDF)
Comparing levels of school performance to science teachers' reports on knowledge/skills, instructional use and student use of computers
Title
Comparing levels of school performance to science teachers' reports on knowledge/skills, instructional use and student use of computers.
Creator
Kerr, Rebecca., College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description
The purpose of this descriptive quantitative and basic qualitative study was to examine fifth and eighth grade science teachers' responses, perceptions of the role of technology in the classroom, and how they felt that computer applications, tools, and the Internet influence student understanding. The purposeful sample included survey and interview responses from fifth grade and eighth grade general and physical science teachers. Even though they may not be generalizable to other teachers or...
Show moreThe purpose of this descriptive quantitative and basic qualitative study was to examine fifth and eighth grade science teachers' responses, perceptions of the role of technology in the classroom, and how they felt that computer applications, tools, and the Internet influence student understanding. The purposeful sample included survey and interview responses from fifth grade and eighth grade general and physical science teachers. Even though they may not be generalizable to other teachers or classrooms due to a low response rate, findings from this study indicated teachers with fewer years of teaching science had a higher level of computer use but less computer access, especially for students, in the classroom. Furthermore, teachers' choice of professional development moderated the relationship between the level of school performance and teachers' knowledge/skills, with the most positive relationship being with workshops that occurred outside of the school. Eighteen interviews revealed that teachers perceived the role of technology in classroom instruction mainly as teacher-centered and supplemental, rather than student-centered activities.
Show less
Date Issued
2013
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360802
Subject Headings
Science, Study and teaching (Middle school), School management and organization, Computer-assisted instruction, Academic achievement, Evaluation, High technology and education
Format
Document (PDF)
Exploring the influence of middle school leaders on middle school girls' interest in high school science enrollment
Title
Exploring the influence of middle school leaders on middle school girls' interest in high school science enrollment.
Creator
Kijanka, Lori., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description
The purpose of this research was to explore middle school leaders' perceptions of the reasons girls' enrollment levels in science courses during high school declines and if the advice given to middle school girls may be perpetuating the diminished enrollment of girls in science courses as they move from middle school to high school. The study explored the contributions of expectancy and role theory using a qualitative method. Data analysis found that cultural influences on middle school girls...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to explore middle school leaders' perceptions of the reasons girls' enrollment levels in science courses during high school declines and if the advice given to middle school girls may be perpetuating the diminished enrollment of girls in science courses as they move from middle school to high school. The study explored the contributions of expectancy and role theory using a qualitative method. Data analysis found that cultural influences on middle school girls' career goals emerged as a significant influence on school leaders' perceptions. Instructional methodology and cultural, gendered assumptions of women in science were found as themes in middle school leaders' perceptions that further shaped the advice to girls to enroll in high school science courses. The study provided information that clarified how middle school leaders can maintain the academic pathway for girls in science as well as recommendations for further study.
Show less
Date Issued
2009
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/192985
Subject Headings
Science, Study and teaching (Secondary), Inquiry-based learning, Science, Study and teaching (Middle school), Curricula, Curriculum planning, Sex differences in education, Education, Aims and objectives
Format
Document (PDF)