Re-Examining the Similarities Between Teacher and Student Conceptions About Physical Science

Source: Journal of Science Teacher Education, Volume 21, Number 7, 859-872. (November, 2010).

The current study examined the physical science conceptions of elementary science teachers to determine whether, after three decades of misconception research, teachers still possess conceptions similar to those held by students.

103 elementary science teachers participated in the study.

The authors found that the teachers expressed misconceptions regarding gravity, magnetism, gases, and temperature that were similar to common student misconceptions.

Suggestions for improving science professional development programs are discussed.