Experiental Learning f Experiental Experiential Learning for Pre-Service Science and Mathematics Teachers: Experiental Learning for Pre-Service Science and Mathematics Teachers: Applications to Secondary Classrooms There is a growing consensus that it is critical for teachers or Pre-Service Science and Mathematics T or Pre-Service Applications to Secondary Classrooms of science to experience the process of science and scientific inquiry first-hand. This monograph, the fifth in the series, focuses on the voices of pre-service teachers who have chosen to work side-by-side with scientists. This book Experiential Learning for Pre-Service Science and Mathematics Teachers: Applications to Secondary Classrooms includes chapters written by teachers about their experiences conducting action research and/or scientific research. In this monograph, the writers offer the field a significant view of what happens when pre- service teachers, practicing teachers, and practicing scientists work together as co-learners. These co-learning experiences create professional learning communities that stimulate changes and growth for all participants. When universities embrace this kind of learning experience for pre-service teachers, they begin a significant step in preparing teachers who understand the value of experien- tial learning—experiencing the culture of science. eachers: Teacher Comments: Applications to Secondary Classr “If students see teachers excited about [doing sci- ence], I think they will get excited about doing it themselves. Neither textbook nor traditional lab- oratory activities can compare to experiencing science as it occurs outdoors.” -Lidia Lanns “Showing me what they [the scientists] do on a daily basis at work and allowing me to take part not only gives me excellent hands-on experience, but also a substantial amount of confidence in my classroom setting.” -Gregory Preston ooms MSELP For ordering information, please contact: The Southeast Eisenhower Regional Contortium for Mathematics and Science Education @ SERVE 1203 Governor’s Square Blvd., Suite 400 Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.671.6033 800.854.0476 Toll-Free 850.671.6010 Fax Experiential Learning for Pre-Service Science and Mathematics Teachers: Applications to Secondary Classrooms Co-Editors Penny J. Gilmer, Lori Livingston Hahn, and M. Randall Spaid This material is based on work supported in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation (Grant No. DUE-9753546). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this monograph are those of the authors and do not necesarily reflect the views of the NSF. Associated with the School of Education University of North Carolina at Greensboro This document was produced in association with Florida State University and the Southeast Eisenhower Regional Consortium for Mathematics and Science Education @ SERVE. First Printing 2002 Acknowledgments We acknowledge the pre-service science teachers, Lidia Lanns, Gregory Preston, Leslie Magalis, Sandra Davis, Christy Tarter, Ron Wark, Rebecca Brockwell, and Janet Macauley, who are authors of chapters in this monograph. The other co-learners, including the practicing science teachers and the research scientists, expressed a sincere interest and concern to assist the future science and mathematics teachers with an understanding of the nature and culture of science. Also, we acknowledge the staff and faculty of Florida State University and University of West Florida. Suzanne Spaid helped us significantly by proofreading all the chapters. Without the two funding sources listed below, this project would not have been possible: NSF/FCETP grant funding the CO-LEARNERS project at Florida State University and the University of West Florida The Eisenhower Consortium for Mathematics and Science Education at SERVE, which funded us to write and edit this monograph Citation Gilmer, P. J., Hahn, L., & Spaid, M.R. (2002). Experiential learning for pre-service science and mathematics teachers: Applications to secondary classrooms, Tallahassee, FL: SERVE. Program Support Dr. Francena D. Cummings Director of the Southeast Eisenhower Regional Consortium for Mathematics and Science Education @ SERVE Dr. Donna Nalley Director of Publications, SERVE Christy Casbon Assistant Program Specialist, SERVE Book and Cover Design Richard Emond Senior Graphic Designer, SERVE Funding This document was produced with funding from the Dwight D. Eisenhower National Programs for Mathematics and Science Regional Consortia Program, Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education, under contract no. R168R950024. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. For more information The Southeast Eisenhower Regional about the Consortium, contact the main office: Consortium for Mathematics and Southeast Eisenhower Regional Consortium for Mathematics and Science Science Education @ SERVE Education @ SERVE The Southeast Eisenhower Regional Consortium for Mathematics and Science Education @ 1203 Governor’s Square SERVE is one of ten regional consortia created by Congress to improve mathematics and Boulevard, Suite 400 science education throughout the nation. The Consortium has three objectives: Tallahassee, FL 32301 800.854.0476 Coordinating mathematics and science resources Disseminating exemplary mathematics and science educational instructional 850.671.6033 materials Fax 850.671.6010 Providing technical assistance for the implementation of teaching methods and assessment tools for use by elementary and secondary school students, staff, and www.serve.org/ administrators Eisenhower The Consortium frames its work through the following focus areas: Field Offices: Collaboration and Communication. Joining forces with other mathematics and science education organizations at the national, state, and local levels Programs and Curricula. Identifying and disseminating exemplary mathematics Georgia and science materials with and through the Eisenhower National Center and other 800.659.3204 educational agencies Professional Development. Providing for the training of teachers, administrators, North Carolina and other trainers in the use of exemplary mathematics and science materials, 800.755.3277 methods, and assessments Curriculum Frameworks. Assisting in the development and implementation of standards-based state curriculum frameworks Technology. Facilitating the use of telecommunications technology as a tool for mathematics and science instruction Equity. Supporting programs and activities that meet the needs of underserved groups in mathematics and science Informal Education Agencies. Supporting the use of informal mathematics and science agencies through disseminating information and encouraging collaboration Community Outreach. Promoting dialogue with community groups to engage them in meaningful ways to support mathematics and science We offer the following services to promote our objectives: Networks Collaborating with existing networks of mathematics and science educators Building and supporting new networks Providing opportunities for educators to share ideas and observations about what works in mathematics and science education Sponsoring conferences, teleconferences, meetings, and symposia Access to Promising Practices in Mathematics and Science Identifying successful mathematics and science programs Publishing information on effective programs Technical Assistance Helping schools and districts adapt and use new programs, policies, equipment, and resources Identifying the training needs of mathematics and science educators Developing effective training to meet identified needs through a Technical Assistance Academy for Mathematics and Science Services (TAAMSS) Resources Providing access to SERVE products and services Helping educators gain access to local, state, regional, and national resources Free and Low-Cost Materials Developing practical resources schools can use, including publications, video tapes, resource lists, and policy briefs that address concerns from schools, districts, and state education agencies About SERVE SERVE Main Office ERVE, directed by Dr. John R. Sanders, is an education organization with the mission Sto promote and support the continuous improvement of educational opportunities for all learners in the Southeast. The organization’s commitment to continuous improvement is P. O. Box 5406 manifest in an applied research-to-practice model that drives all of its work. Building on Greensboro, NC theory and craft knowledge, SERVE staff members develop tools and processes designed to 27435 assist practitioners and policymakers with their work, ultimately, to raise the level of student 336.315.7400 achievement in the region. Evaluation of the impact of these activities combined with input from affected stakeholders expands SERVE’s knowledge base and informs future research. 800.755.3277 Fax 336.315.7457 This vigorous and practical approach to research and development is supported by an experienced staff strategically located throughout the region. This staff is highly skilled in John R. Sanders, Ed.D. providing needs-assessment services, conducting applied research in schools, and devel- Executive Director oping processes, products, and programs that inform educators and increase student achievement.