Improving the Attitude of Pre-service Elementary School Teachers Towards Teaching Physics
Nina Abramzon,
Stefanie Saccoman,
Barbara Hoeling
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, June 2017
Pages:
16-23
Received:
9 June 2017
Accepted:
21 June 2017
Published:
1 August 2017
Abstract: The dislike that many elementary school teachers have for teaching physics is a well-known problem that adversely affects science education at all higher levels. This study aims at evaluating an approach to change this negative attitude by demonstrating the relevance of science teaching to the students in the SCI 210 course, “Physics for future elementary school teachers”. Several new elements were introduced in this integrated activity-based course: a historical perspective on the state of science education in the U.S.A., a collaboration with a faculty member from the college of education as well as with educators from the NASA/JPL Office of Education, and a physics teaching experience with middle school children. To gage the effectiveness of this approach, attitudinal surveys were implemented at the beginning and again towards the end of the course. The data show that the attitude towards science teaching of the students improved significantly due to their experience in the “reformed” course. In contrast, in the unreformed course which lacked the above enrichment elements, there was little or no change in the students’ attitudes between the pre- and post-survey.
Abstract: The dislike that many elementary school teachers have for teaching physics is a well-known problem that adversely affects science education at all higher levels. This study aims at evaluating an approach to change this negative attitude by demonstrating the relevance of science teaching to the students in the SCI 210 course, “Physics for future ele...
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The Impact of Decentralized Fiscal Funds on Primary Schooling in Kenya
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, June 2017
Pages:
24-31
Received:
27 June 2017
Accepted:
17 July 2017
Published:
11 August 2017
Abstract: Improved standards of living for citizens is what any government strives to achieve. In doing this, governments use different methods. Governments improve welfare of its citizens through provision of public goods or utilities from which citizens derive utility. Many governments have set up various fiscal funds to that end. This study investigated the effect of fiscal funds on social welfare in the Kenyan context. In particular, the study determined the effect of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) on demand for primary schooling, a quasi-public good. A time series from 1970 to 2015 was used. Annual enrollment in class one in public schools was used as the dependent variable while the explanatory variables were; MCg (government expenditure per pupil), CDF which was dummy, parent literacy and Pupil-Teacher ratio. MCg and parent literacy have significant effect on primary schooling.
Abstract: Improved standards of living for citizens is what any government strives to achieve. In doing this, governments use different methods. Governments improve welfare of its citizens through provision of public goods or utilities from which citizens derive utility. Many governments have set up various fiscal funds to that end. This study investigated t...
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