Botany in the Pre-college Classroom:
Setting Up Professional Development
Workshops for K-12 Teachers

Saturday, July 31, 2004

Botanical Society of America Forum

D. Timothy Gerber, University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
and David W. Kramer, Ohio State University at Mansfield


 
Action Alternatives:What Can We Do?

 
1.  Nothing!
2.  Review and revise our own curricula and pedagogy.  Are our courses modeling good science?  Remembering that there are pre-service teachers in our classes, are they learning by example?
3.  Professional associations (BSA?) should appoint committees to examine and critique science curricula in the schools.  This probably is best done at the state level where science standards are set.  Work with State Science Academies?  HOWEVER, ONE MUST REMEMBER that the curriculum that implements the State Standards is developed at the local level (county, city, individual schools).  The only way we can influence change at that level is by being involved with the local schools/teachers.
4.  Professional associations should insist on reviewing science textbooks for accuracy of content, prior to publication.  They should set up a mechanism for doing this.
  • lobby for a State requirement that only scientist-approved textbooks can be adopted
  • at least, insist that your local school district puts scientists on science textbook adoption committees
5.  Know the teachers in your local districts and support their needs for:
  • understanding of science as a process
  • science facts and concepts with emphasis on concepts
  • pedagogical advice and assistance (hands-on activities)
  • integrating the effective use of technology in science classes
  • finding and choosing supplies, equipment, and specimens
  • judging science fairs and other competitive learning events
6.  Offer teacher professional development through science workshops for teachers.
7.  Be involved in state and national science teaching professional societies (e.g., NSTA, NABT)
8.  Other
 
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Go Back to Workshop Agenda
Premises
Alternatives
Planning
Examples:  The Teacher Academy at OSU Mansfield The Tulip Project at UW LaCrosse