Table 8 Science pedagogical content knowledge
From: Moving from surviving to thriving: a taxonomy of beginning science teacher challenges
Category | Description |
|---|---|
Sequencing of topics | Challenges related to creating logical sequences of topic and figuring out what order to teach certain topics |
Topic selection and depth | Challenges related to what topics should be taught and how in depth they should be taught (i.e., how long) |
Topics are taking too long | Challenges related to how long a topic took to teach |
Trying to fit in new topics | Challenges related to running out of time to teach particular topics and the need to ‘squeeze’ them in |
Assessment (formative and summative) of particular topics | Challenges related to ways to add and improve existing formative and some summative assessments for particular concepts and activities |
Improve the ‘real-world’ relevance of activities and topics | Challenges related to connecting a topic to real world phenomena that are engaging and relevant to the students lives |
Lesson and activity development | Challenges related to the development and possible implementation issues with a particular activity to teach particular concepts |
Logistical and technical support with activity | Challenges related to the need for support with more technical and logistical issues with activities (i.e., how activities are done, where materials can be obtained/sampled, and safety concerns with activities) |
Need activities and ideas to teach a particular topic | Challenges related to finding activities to teach particular topics, often expressed as requests to mentors for activities around specific topics |
Not excited about teaching a particular topic | Challenges related to teacher boredom or lack of excitement as it relates to the teaching of specific topics |
Setting objectives for a particular topic or activity | Challenges and concerns related to setting or creating objectives for topics and activities |
Specific content question within context of activity | Challenges related to understanding a particular concept, usually a request for mentor clarification, within a specific lesson |
Student engagement with a particular topic or activity | Challenges related to student engagement or boredom with particular activities or topics |
Student understanding of a topic or specific skill | Challenges related to a lack of student understanding of particular concepts and processes |
Teaching of controversial topics | Challenges related to navigating controversial topics such as evolution with students |