Development of a Comprehensive Undergraduate Science Education Program for Preparation of Elementary and Middle School Teachers.

The traditional differences in philosophy and approaches to teaching and learning between colleges of education and sciences have been repeatedly cited as one of the major obstacles in providing appropriate teacher training programs. In an effort to alleviate this problem, Wright State University (Ohio) has fostered a unique environment through a collaboration between the College of Science and Math (COSM) and the College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) by creating dual appointments for faculty within these two colleges. The revitalization of the teacher education programs in science included consideration that prospective science teachers should be involved in investigative activities; have lab courses that focus on topics in biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics; understand the interrelatedness of science disciplines; and have a sound understanding of the nature of learning and how it can be applied to the learning of science. (Author/DDR)