Teaching Science in the Elementary Grades (Biology and Chemistry)

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The Teaching Profession and Science Teaching

Module 001 – The Teaching Profession and Science Teaching

At the end of this module you are expected to:
1. Appreciate the science teaching profession and focus on the
knowledge, skills and attributes that will lead to effective science
instruction and efficient student learning.
2. Explain the benefits of Science teaching in solving real-life problems.

Introduction
Within the framework of these elements, teachers, who allow interaction between the main
components of the educational system such as student, educational program, instructor, and
environment (Posner, 1995), and who take on the role of educating and shaping young individuals
that society requires, have a distinct position and importance. With the emergence of education as
a field of career and vocation, the teaching profession began to develop. It has been debated if
teaching is a profession or not. Finally, it was agreed that teaching is a distinguished career with all
of the characteristics profession should have (Tezcan, 1996).

Teaching is about inspiring, motivating, and allowing students to go beyond their potentials.
It is also an application of knowledge, skills, experiences and its purpose is to provide quality service
to meet the educational needs of the individual and society. If you have a passion for teaching,
learning, and sharing your knowledge and skills with today’s youth and you aim to make a difference
in a child’s life, then this profession is for you. Teaching is not just about lecturing students
who are just listening and writing what they hear, but, rather, offers every student an
enriching, interactive, and unique learning experienc e. Education isn't limited to the
classroom but, instead, extends into the home and the community, and around the globe.
Information isn't bound primarily in books and reading materials; it's available
everywhere.

Students aren't consumers of facts. They are formally engaged in learning and are
active creators of knowledge. Schools are centers of lifelong learning and most, important
teaching is recognized as one of the most challenging and respected career choices,
absolutely vital to the social, cultural, and economic health of our nation.

Teaching Science in the Elementary Grades (Biology and Chemistry)

 Teaching Science in the Elementary Grades (Biology and Chemistry)
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The Teaching Profession and Science Teaching

Leading the way are passionate teachers who are rethinking every part of their
profession. Teachers are exploring and upgrading themselves and their occupation to
better serve the school, students, and the community. As Teachers, we are nation-builders-
the strength of other professions, the knowledge, and skills that Teachers instill in young people
mold individuals to reach life’s excellence. The highest reward a Teacher can have in the teaching
profession is to see students grow and develop. Doctors, Engineers, and single one of those skilled
professionals started their journey and milestone with a Teacher.

Teaching science is a dynamic task central to the science education vision. Teaching science
entails moving beyond the basics to help students comprehend how we know and equipping them
with the knowledge they need to think scientifically. Most notably, references to the scientific
method (Lederman, 2007) and encouraging students to focus on their participation in the process
(Schwartz et al., 2004). Science is the systematic body of knowledge. A study of the structure and
behavior of the physical, social, and natural worlds through observation and experimentation. It’s
key to innovation, global competitiveness, and human advancement.

Beyond the potential scientific advancement, there are personal benefits to learning science,
such as developing our ability to ask questions, gather data, organize and test our ideas, solve
problems, and think critically. Even more, science offers a platform for building confidence,
developing communication skills, and making sense of the world around us. Teachers are vital in
science education. Future depends on the nation’s educators to utilize hands-on and minds-on
activities to make science interesting, engaging, and interactive. However, a career in education,
especially science education, can be challenging.

"Engaging students in science content requires educators to help students see themselves as
scientists and engineers instead of passively observing other people doing the work of science,” said
Melyssa Ferro, a science teacher, Walden University graduate, and Idaho’s 2016 State Teacher of
the Year. It is about creating opportunities for them to see science in application instead of just
reading about it in a textbook (Ferro, 2016). Complex textbooks are important to have, but if young
learners can’t grasp the information and educators aren’t effectively teaching the content then it
limits students’ chances for success.

Teaching Science in the Elementary Grades (Biology and Chemistry)

 Teaching Science in the Elementary Grades (Biology and Chemistry)
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The Teaching Profession and Science Teaching

Having a quality foundation in scientific principles and a blueprint for delivering engaging
lesson plans that are easy to understand can be incredibly impactful. Educators who are equipped
with modern and innovative science teaching methods and techniques will sow the seeds for future
scientists who can do incredible things for society and the planet.

References and Supplementary Materials

Books and Journals
1. Tobias,S. & Baffert, A, (2019). Science Teaching as a Profession: Why it isn’t could be?
2. Matthews, M. (2015). Science Teaching
Online Supplementary Reading Materials
1. Teaching as a Profession: All You Need to Know (idreamcareer.com)
2. (PDF) The teaching profession: knowledge of subject matter, teaching skills and
personality traits (researchgate.net)
3. The teaching profession: knowledge of subject matter, teaching skills and personality
traits (sciencedirectassets.com)
Online Instructional Videos
1. What makes a good teacher great? | Azul Terronez | TEDxSantoDomingo

Teaching Science in the Elementary Grades (Biology and Chemistry)