Science teachers of the future A Danish way of science teachers professional development

Transcription

1 Master in Science Education Science teachers of the future A Danish way of science teachers professional development Morten Rask Petersen 28th March, 2008 NSTA Conference, Boston

2 Master in Science Education ECTS and danish professional development Why make a master degree in science education for lower secondary school teachers? What is Master in science education? Experiences from the pilot project

3 ECTS ECTS European Credit Transfer and accumulation System 60 ECTS = 1 year of academic fulltime study 1 ECTS = working hours

4 Danish professional development University study ECTS Teachers education ECTS Professional development ECTS Bachelor 180 Bachelor 240 Diploma 60 MS. 120 Master 60

5 Political background Denmark today has an unsufficient number of people with an education in course specific education Andersen et. al Despite the effort of distinguished persons Denmark, in the area of science education, may be called a developmental country comparred to our neighbours Andersen et. al. 2003

6 Political background Professional developmental recommendations Effectuation of course specific education on master level at the Danish universities with reference to professional development of teachers, who then can attend to special educational tasks at their educational institutions Busch, Elf & Horst, 2004

7 Political background Professional developmental recommandations Municipal science educational consultants: The municipality points out and educates at least one science educational consultant to take care of municipal activities in science education, to work as sparring and resource person for every municipal school in developing science education and to work as contact to the regional units in a national resource center. The consultant must have a master degree in science education or similar background Committee for preparing a strategy for science education in elementary school, 2006

8 Science teachers of the future The aim of the project is to develop and implement a master degree programme in mathematics and science education for in-service lower secondary teachers. The strategic aim of this degree is to provide a sufficient number of teachers with skills and competences in helping students to learn mathematics and science in a rational way, that reflects the need of improving the proficiency and competence level in the Folkeskole (Danish basic school). This aim will be achieved by involving the teachers in design, implementation and evaluation of innovative instructional sequences, which deals with a wide range of aspects of mathematics and science, e.g. modern science and the importance of science in society. Michelsen, 2006

9 The pilot project Science teachers of the future Applied the European social fund in 2005 Pilot project for developing Master in Science Education 24 teachers from lower secondary school started up 4 municipalities cooperated 2 UCL s were involved in the development of the project Cooperation with the science park Danfoss Universe

10 Educational design and in-service teacher training Content knowledge Didactical tools Local intervention programs Network Reporting Dissemination Michelsen, 2006

11 Content of Master in Science Education Science Education: Interplay between subjects Scientific Literacy, STS Interest and learning Learning arenas: ScienceLab Danfoss Universe Science Festivals EDUCATIONAL RECONSTRUCTION development, implementation and evaluation of innovative teaching sequences Modern science: Biotechnologi Biophysics Robottechnology Teaching formats: Drama Media Narratives Michelsen, 2006

12 Master in Science Education - Framework Svein Sjøberg s 3 dimensions for science and mathematics education: 1. The products of science 2. The processes of science 3. The role of science in society Sjøberg, 2005

13 Master in Science Education - Structure 15 ECTS Module 4: Master thesis 15 ECTS Module 3: Science in society and science education in the future 15 ECTS Module 2: Scientific processes and learning science 15 ECTS Module 1: Science, culture and STS and applied mathematics and science education

14 Master in Science Education - Dimensions Goals: The uptake will be 25 students every second year Module 1 will also be used as a single module for professional development 10 students will use the module for their professional development every second year

15 Response from the teachers This is a highly qualifying professional development. If there were one of us on every school it would definitely improve the science education Female student at Science teachers of the future This is the best teaching I have ever received. And the scientists are not from another galaxy like the prejustice says. They are really up on the beat. Male student at Science teachers of the future It has given me a more clear identity as a science teacher. I can now face my colleagues in the teacher s room with my head held high. Female student at Science teachers of the future

16 Response from the teachers Concerning didactics, what have you gained at module 1? A lot! Everything that you didn t care about, when you studied for teacher. It now makes sense. Male student at Science teachers of the future

17 Response from the teachers Concerning didactics, what have you gained at module 1? I have received ideas and inspiration to my own teaching practice, like motivation to seek new challenges and to try them out Male student at Science teachers of the future

18 Master in Science Education Has your general view on science and mathematics changed during the course? No, but I have been strengthened in the belief, that what we teach must have a relation to society Male student at Science teachers of the future

19 Master in Science Education Has your general view on science and mathematics changed during the course? We are many who had a tendency to teach a little too traditionally. But I have definitely seen/experienced a more human way of researching, than I had imagined. It has become more relevant to society Female student at Science teachers of the future

20 Master in Science Education Thank you for your attention Any questions? Contact: