Running Head-Literature Review Domain A

Assignment 1: Domain A Artifact #3 Supporting Reference Review

Kelly Burkhead

National University

March 8, 2018

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for

TED 690−Capstone Course

Carol M. Shepherd, Ed.D.

Running Head-Literature Review Domain A

Abstract

This article examines a program where teachers evaluate their science teaching methods. The

importance of teachers as researchers is stressed by The National Science Education Standards.

Educators should be capable of performing research and a professional development standard

discusses the idea of teachers creating knowledge, rather than consuming it. Program training

for science teachers as well as professional development should include the belief that teachers

are researchers, thereby better allowing for reflection and development.

Running Head-Literature Review Domain A

A professional development standard from The National Science Education Standards

highlights the focus of teachers as consumers of knowledge about teaching to the idea that

teachers are producers of knowledge regarding teaching. The incorporation of collaborative

opportunities where reflection and analysis of teaching practices in science take place is one way

this can occur. In order to implement an effective science program, teachers should be provided

with the means to research, reflect, and therefore enhance their instruction.

There are five beliefs the author has as a university level faculty member. First, those

who are planning to enter the teaching field need to learn how to conduct research as they

practice teaching. Taking a hands-on approach to research allows a future teacher to truly

involve themselves in the entire thought process. Second, research should be performed in

classrooms of beginning teachers. Third, research should encompass the documentation of the

beneficial work contributed by beginning and seasoned teachers. Fourth, faculty at the

University level should encourage and foster collaboration between teachers of various

experience levels. Lastly, research taking place in a classroom contributes to honing teaching

skills.

There are four components of a program where elementary teachers’ research is fostered.

Future and practicing educators need to be thought of as researchers working together promoting

research through tasks such as extended research projects and influences that promote science

learning. Circumstances of interaction should be generated through research festivals, group

investigations, and field placements. Finally, discoveries should be communicated to colleagues.

In one case, a first-grade teacher supplied an abstract for a research festival. This

resulted in the teacher then documenting an activity as simple as nature walks with her students.
Running Head-Literature Review Domain A

This led to a case study from analysis of student transformation of how students presented their

nature walk discoveries. The teacher then made connections

Learning to self-reflect is a major component of teaching. The firsthand experience of

new teachers entering the world of education should be communicated through created

opportunities for collaboration. “I believe that learning how to reflect upon one’s practices is an

essential component of learning to teach” (p.252). It is important to point out that practices that

work well for one group of students and teachers may not benefit different groups. Today’s even

more diverse population demands that teachers constantly reflect and adapt to their audience in

terms of needs, strengths, and weaknesses.

As a teacher who lies between a pre-service and in-service distinction, the benefits of

such a program are respected. The knowledge and support gained by collaborating with peers

and more seasoned educators has proven to be a vital tool in itself. If collaboration also involved

the direct discussion of science based research and a hands-on aspect to scientific research, the

advantage of sharing insights would increase significantly. Trials, successes, feedback, and

encouragement would be provided. This would help to facilitate not only superior teachers, but

potentially, academically stronger students.

Running Head-Literature Review Domain A

References

Van Zee, E. (1998). Fostering elementary teachers' research on their science teaching

practices. Journal of Teacher Education, 49(4), 245-254. Retrieved from

http://journals.sagepub.com.nuls.idm.oclc.org/doi/abs/10.1177/0022487198049004002 on 3/8/18