Ra. Schibeci et R. Hickey, Is it natural or processed? Elementary school teachers and conceptions about materials, J RES SCI T, 37(10), 2000, pp. 1154-1170
This paper explores the science content knowledge of elementary school teac
hers, and its possible role in helping them teach effectively. These issues
are explored in the context of an investigation of the views of 106 elemen
tary school teachers who had participated in professional development cours
es which focused on the topic "natural and processed materials." These prac
tising teachers revealed a range of conceptions about materials, which have
been categorized into broad types. Some of the teachers showed shifts in c
onceptions, from what could be described as "naive" conceptions to more sci
entific views, after a 2-day professional development activity. (C) 2000 Jo
hn Wiley & Sons, Inc.