SCIENTISTS' CONTRIBUTION TO INQUIRY-BASED INSTRUCTION in PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS

The authors represent two programs in NJ that collaborate to offer research-based models of teacher development that rely on essential contributions from scientists and mathematicians.

By modeling inquiry-based instruction with experiments and fieldwork, both programs are designed to: deepen teachers' knowledge of science and mathematics; address prior learning and build towards future learning; develop skills for teaching inquiry-based instruction; and support teachers with ideas and lessons for classroom use. The expertise scientists possess is essential to deepen content discussions and learning. Our programs provide the guidance and support to both teachers and scientists to together effectively meet these goals.

QUEST, administered by Princeton University’s Program in Teacher Preparation, offers subject-specific summer workshops in science and math led by university faculty who focus on content at an adult level. Faculty are assisted by “lead teachers” who help participants transform the content into inquiry-based classroom lessons. CONNECT-ED, administered by Rider University’s Science Education and Literacy Center, guides K-12 teachers in using Big Idea Modules (BIMs) to explore how concepts from different grade levels build an understanding of “big ideas” in math and science. BIMS are created and presented by lead teachers guided by scientist/mathematician coaches.

These two programs are combined into one summer institute with teachers leveraging one experience to their benefit in the other. We will provide details about the most effective contributions scientists can make in such professional development programs for teachers, the methods we use to guide scientists in their contributions, our efforts to sustain these programs, and examples of learning results.

Financial support comes from the lead universities, outside grants and the school districts of participating teachers. This broad base and the stability has sustained QUEST and CONNECT-ED in providing 25 and 10 years respectively of effective professional development for K-12 schoolteachers in central New Jersey.