How teachers view the nature of scientific knowledge is crucial to their understanding of science content and how it can be taught. This book presents an overview of the dynamics of scientific progress and its relationship to the history and philosophy of science, and then explores their methodological and educational implications and develops innovative strategies based on actual classroom practice for teaching topics such the nature of science, conceptual change, constructivism, qualitative-quantitative research, and the role of controversies, presuppositions, speculations, hypotheses, and predictions.

Field-tested in science education courses, this book is designed to involve readers in critically thinking about the history and philosophy of science and to engage science educators in learning how to progressively introduce various aspects of 'science-in-the-making' in their classrooms, to promote discussions highlighting controversial historical episodes included in the science curriculum, and to expose their students to the controversies and encourage them to support, defend or critique the different interpretations. Innovating Science Teacher Education offers guidelines to go beyond traditional textbooks, curricula, and teaching methods and innovate with respect to science teacher education and classroom teaching.

About the Author

Mansoor Niaz is Professor at the Chemistry Department, Universidad de Oriente, Cumana, Venezuela.

Reviews

"The inclusion of both qualitative and quantitative perspectives is a welcome feature of the book and demonstrates the comprehensive and real-world approach taken in this project...Science teacher educators and researchers interested in the history and nature of science will find this volume a welcome addition to their professional libraries."-CHOICE

"I think the text would be excellent reading in a class that focuses on teaching teachers about nature of science and the importance of nature of science to an understanding of scientific knowledge...The book is also an excellent model for how one can effectively use history and philosophy of science to enhance teachers' understandings of nature of science...Niaz does an excellent job of making nature of science explicit."-Science and Education

"The project that Niaz has undertaken in Innovative Science Teacher Education is ambitious. Recognizing the complexity of preparing science teachers to teach adolescents (high school and early college students) powerful science, Niaz has developed a complex solution...Niaz offers much to like in this book."-Teachers College Record

"We find much to recommend about this book given its extensive empirical base, currency, and relevance to teacher educators...This book would be suitable for teacher educators, graduate students and researchers interested in an empirical study of teachers grappling with HPS in science education. "-International Journal of Science Education

Book Information
ISBN 9780415882378
Author Mansoor Niaz
Format Hardback
Page Count 240
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 600g