Outstanding Faculty Position Paper
Eddie Griffin Award Graduate Student
Learning Performance Support Laboratory (LPSL)
SASTE 2005
October 14-15, 2005
The University of Georgia
Athens, GeorgiaMake your plans now to attend the 2005 Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association for Science Teacher Education (SASTE)
In collaboration with Georgia's Patrnership for Reform in Science and Mathematics (PRISM)
Theme:
The Journey from Powerful Ideas to Classroom PracticeOctober 14-15, 2005
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
Paper proposals due Sept. 16th
Preregistration by Sept. 23rd
Hotel Reservations Sept. 29th.Faculty and Graduate Student Outstand Position Papers due September 5th
Nominations for the John Shrum Award due September 5th
Increasingly, as science educators attempt to address the challenges of teaching diverse learners, they must think deeply about the purposes of science education and research. In recent years many questions have been raised about the relevance of theory as a preparation for practice (Korthagen, Kesseles, Koster, Lagerwerf & Wubbels, 2005; Zeichner, 1995). In reaction to the criticism on the relevance of theory and the need to address the problem of teacher shortage, alternative certification programs have been created in which novice teachers sometimes receive very little theoretical background, and science teacher education becomes simply a process of guided induction into “tricks of the trade.” The balance seems to move completely from an emphasis on theory to reliance on practical experience; however, research has shown that this approach to science teacher education does not guarantee success (Bullough & Kauchak, 1995)
A promising trend in the professional development of science teachers is the creation of “learning communities” which emphasize ongoing conversations about science teaching and learning among diverse stakeholders. There is a critical need for learning networks to be built between schools, communities, Colleges of Education and Arts and Sciences, and informal education venues to foster authentic conversations and support for science teachers and science educators in their attempts to integrate theory and practice. Consistent with the proposed theme, “The Journey from Powerful Ideas to Classroom Practice,” the conference will provide opportunities to highlight and discuss science education research, with an emphasis on examining how our research can better impact both educational policy and classroom practice. The conference organizers wish to invite members of Southeastern Association for Science Teacher Education (SASTE) and participants from the Georgia Partnership for Reform in Science and Mathematics Education (PRISM) to come together as a community to address issues and challenges that cut across local, state, and regional contexts.
Deborah Tippins & Tom Koballa
The SASTE conference is renowned as a friendly environment to explore ideas about teaching, learning, and research in science education. The supportive and scholarly atmosphere of SASTE makes it the ideal venue for new researchers to present their studies. Graduate students will have ample opportunities to interact with leading regional university researchers in the field of science education.
The conference will take place from 4:00 p.m.on Friday, October 14th to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15th, 2005 (Eastern Daylight Time). Join us Friday afternoon in Room 215, Aderhold Hall for registration and a reception from 4:00 to 6:30 pm. At 6:00, Evidenced-Based Inquiry, a new tool for capturing and analyzing data on teacher practice, will be showcased in Aderhold Hall.
On Saturday, concurrent paper, demonstration, and workshop sessions will be presented in adjacent rooms in Aderhold Hall on the campus of the University of Georgia. All conference rooms will contain an overhead projector. Some rooms will be equipped with screen and LCD projector and laptops running either Mac or Windows XP. If you require additional equipment, you should plan to bring it to the conference with you.
On Saturday there will be an awards luncheon at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education, located within walking distance of Aderhold Hall.
Saturday evening, there will be a farewell reception hosted by Dr. Tom Koballa, Professor of Science Education in the Department of Mathematics and Science Education.
Web site developed by the Office of Information Technology using materials created by Dennis Beck and Rose Pringle.
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