The Teaching Profession and
Science Learning
The Teaching Profession
The teaching profession refers to the occupation or
career of individuals who are engaged in instructing and
guiding students in various educational settings.
Teachers, also known as educators or instructors, play a
fundamental role in facilitating learning and fostering the
intellectual, social, and emotional development of
students.
The teaching profession encompasses a wide range of
educational levels, from early childhood education to
higher education, and spans diverse subjects and
disciplines.
Key elements of the teaching profession:
1. Instructional Facilitation:
Teachers are responsible for planning and delivering
instructional content to students, helping them grasp
concepts, acquire skills, and develop a deep understanding of
the subject matter.
2. Curriculum Development:
Educators often contribute to or design curriculum materials,
determining the scope and sequence of topics covered in a
particular course or educational program.
3. Assessment and Evaluation:
Teachers assess students' understanding and progress through
various methods, such as exams, assignments, and projects.
They provide constructive feedback and make adjustments to
instruction based on assessment results.
4. Classroom Management:
Maintaining a positive and conducive learning environment is
crucial.
Teachers implement strategies for effective classroom
management, creating a space where students feel safe,
engaged, and motivated to learn.
5. Individualized Instruction:
Recognizing the diversity of learners, teachers employ
strategies to cater to various learning styles and adapt their
teaching methods to meet the individual needs of students.
6. Social and Emotional Support:
Teachers play a role in students' social and emotional
development.
They provide guidance, support, and mentorship, helping
students navigate challenges and develop resilience.
7. Professional Development:
Educators engage in professional development opportunities
to stay current with educational research, innovative teaching
practices, and advancements in their field.
8. Community Engagement:
Teachers often collaborate with parents, guardians, and the
broader community to create a supportive network for
students.
They may also participate in community outreach and
involvement.
9. Advocacy for Education:
Many teachers advocate for educational policies, resources, and
reforms that contribute to the improvement of the educational
system, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all
students.
10. Lifelong Learning:
Embracing a commitment to lifelong learning, teachers model
the importance of intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of
knowledge for their students
The Concept of Science Education
Science education focuses on teaching, learning, and
understanding science.
Teaching science involves developing ways on how to
effectively teach science. This means exploring pedagogical
theories and models in helping teachers teach scientific
concepts and processes effectively.
Learning science includes both pedagogy and the most
interesting aspect, which is helping students understand and
love science.
Understanding science implies developing and applying
science-process skills and using science literacy in
understanding the natural world and activities in everyday life.
Importance of Science Education
Science education provides skills and knowledge that are
necessary for a person to live in what Knight (1986)
describes as the age of science and to develop a citizenry
that will meet the goals of science in the society
(Tilghman, 2005).
Science education helps students learn important
concepts and facts that are related to everyday life
including important skills such as: process skills, critical
thinking skills, and life skills that are needed in coping up
with daily life activities (Chaille & Britain, 2002).
Science education also develops positive attitudes
such: love for knowledge, passion for innovative
things, curiosity to study about nature, and creativity
(Lind, 1997).
Science education will develop a strong foundation
for studying science and for considering science-
related careers in the future. This is an investment
for the country to develop a scientifically cultured and
literate citizenry
Teaching of Science in Elementary Grades
The Science Process Skills
2 important elements in learning science
content or body of knowlege - faacts, concept, theories
process skills- ways of thinking and doing that scientists
used to arrive at the dody of knowledge
American Association for the Advancement of Science
(AAAS)- first to introduce the science processes
Science Processes and Higher Order Thinking Skills
Higher Order
Thinking Skills
Integrated Process
Skills: Critical
Basic Process thinking
Skills: Formulating Crative
hypothesis thinking
Observing Controlling Problem
Classifying variables solving ( in real
Communicating Defining life context
Measuring operationally
Predicting Experimenting
Inferring Interpreting data
Formulating
models
Basic Science Process Skills
The simpler basic process skills provide the foundation for science
learning.
1. Observing- it is using the senses to gather information about the
object or event.
2. Classifying- grouping objects or objects into categories based on
the properties or criteria. To classify is based on what has been
observed.
3. Communicating- using words or graphic symbols to describe an
action, object or event. This process is dependent on what was
observe or classified. Communicating can be done in either oral or
written.
Basic Science Process Skills
4. Measuring- using both non- standard or standard measures or
estimates to describe the dimensions of an object or event. In
measurement, there are always two objects being compared, the
one being measured and the measuring device.
5. Predicting- to state the outcome of a future event based on
pattern of evidence. first an observation shall be made before one
can predict.
6. Inferring- making an educated guess about an object or event
based on previously gathered data or information.
Integrated Science Process
1. Formulating hypothesis- stating the expected outcome of an
experiment. it is an intelligent guess of what will happened in an
experiment.
2. Controlling variables- being able to identify variables that can
affect an experimental outcomes, keeping most constant while
manipulating only the independent variable. Variables are
conditions, factors or elements that are varied that may influence
or affect the experiment.
3. Defining operationally- making a defination that is specifically
applicable to the activity or how it shall be done. It is a
description of what will happen or how it will affect the operation
Integrated Science Process
4. Experimenting- It is in experimenting where hypothesis is
proven to be true or not.
5. Interpreting data- a data is an information derived from the
result of the experiment. To give meaning to the data a correct
interpretation shall be made and data are accurately recorded it
may in nominal, ordinal or ratio.
6. Formulating models- models are either mental or physical model
of processes or events, also models can be made using different
processes of science.
The Dynamic Interplay: Teaching Profession and Advancing Science Learning
There is symbiotic relationship between the teaching
profession and science learning, emphasizing the impact
of effective pedagogy on the development of scientific
literacy and a passion for inquiry.
The teaching profession plays a crucial role in shaping the
future of scientific learning. Educators serve as
facilitators, mentors, and inspirations, guiding students
on a journey of exploration and understanding in the field
of science.
1. Teacher as Facilitator:
In science learning, teachers act as facilitators who create
environments conducive to exploration and discovery.
Through skillful facilitation, educators empower
students to take ownership of their learning, fostering a
sense of curiosity and engagement.
The teacher's ability to guide discussions, pose thought-
provoking questions, and provide relevant resources
plays a pivotal role in shaping the learning experience.
2. Inspiring Scientific Curiosity:
Effective science teachers go beyond disseminating
facts; they inspire curiosity.
By weaving narratives, showcasing the excitement of
scientific discovery, and connecting lessons to real-
world applications, educators can ignite a passion for
learning.
The ability to captivate students' interest and instill a
sense of wonder lays the foundation for a lifelong
love of science.
3. Creating Inclusive Learning Environments:
Recognizing the diverse backgrounds and learning styles
within a classroom, science educators strive to create
inclusive learning environments.
A welcoming and inclusive approach ensures that all
students feel valued and encouraged to participate
actively in scientific discussions.
This inclusivity fosters a positive attitude towards science,
promoting a sense of belonging among students.
4. Adapting Pedagogy to Individual Needs:
Successful science teaching involves recognizing the
unique learning needs of each student.
By employing differentiated instruction strategies,
teachers can tailor their approach to accommodate
various learning styles and abilities.
This adaptability ensures that every student has the
opportunity to grasp scientific concepts, promoting a
more equitable and effective learning experience.
5. Professional Development for Science Educators:
Continuous professional development is essential for science
educators to stay abreast of advancements in their field.
Access to the latest research, teaching methodologies, and
technological tools equips educators with the knowledge and
skills needed to provide cutting-edge science education.
Ongoing learning enables teachers to inspire students with
up-to-date and relevant information, fostering a culture of
inquiry and discovery.
6. Mentoring Future Scientists:
Science educators serve as mentors, guiding aspiring scientists
towards fulfilling their potential.
By providing mentorship, guidance on research projects, and
encouragement to pursue STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics) careers, teachers can play a
pivotal role in shaping the next generation of scientific
innovators.
Cultivating a supportive mentor-student relationship
contributes to the holistic development of budding scientists.
Summary
The teaching profession and science learning are
intertwined, forming a symbiotic relationship that
propels society towards a more scientifically literate
and innovative future.
In the intricate interrelationship between the
teaching profession and science learning, educators
wield the power to mold inquisitive minds, nurture
curiosity, and inspire a passion for scientific
exploration.
