Speaker
Dr
Dan Klein
(Weizmann Institute of Science)
Description
Learning physics is challenging, in part due to its deep connection to mathematics. What part does mathematics play in in-service teacher education? We have studied an MSc program for science teachers in Israel, where advanced physics courses are taught by physicists. One of the program’s design principles is that the graduate be in command of mathematics and understand its relevance for physics. Using semi-structured interviews with the instructors, we sought to understand the value they assign to the above principle. Several views emerged, some distinct from the original principle: one, mathematics as providing coherence, two, mathematics as secondary to qualitative understanding, or three, adapting topics to the teachers’ abilities.
| Education level | Pre-service and in-service teacher education |
|---|---|
| Physics topic | Other |
| Research focus | Other |
| Research method | Educational design research (Qualitative research) |
| Organizing preference criteria | Track |
Author
Dr
Dan Klein
(Weizmann Institute of Science)
Co-authors
Prof.
Edit Yerushalmi
(Weizmann institute of Science)
Prof.
Bat-Sheva Eylon
(Weizmann Institute of Science)
