Rural Research Brief by Larry G. Enochs: Vertical Teaming: K-12 Teachers Engaged in Scientific Research in Rural Settings

Abstract

Improving the knowledge and skills of practicing K-12 science teachers is our challenge. By doing so, teachers bring a renewed understanding and excitement for science to classrooms and can pass along their enhanced skills and growing expertise to their K-12 students. yet, many K-12 teachers, particularly those in rural areas, find themselves isolated from other scientists and science educators and often have scares resources for experiments and other classroom activities. . . . .This study explores the outcomes of a form of experiential professional development in science education for rural educators that involved teachers working in multi-grade level teams on field based practice science projects with scientists.

Keywords

• science education
• professional development
• multi-grade teaming
• rural schools
• rural education
• scientists