Preservice Teachers' Alternative Conceptions in Elementary Science Concepts

This study was conducted to investigate the extent to which preservice teachers held alternative conceptions in elementary science concepts. Eighty-six preservice elementary teachers participated in this study. Twelve preservice elementary teachers participated in follow-up interviews. Data were collected through the use of Alternative Conceptions in Science Instrument (Schoon, & Boone, 1998), a participant information form and utilization of interviews. The results indicated that the majority of preservice elementary teachers (67.4%) held a number of alternative conceptions, mostly in the physical sciences. Various sources of alternative conceptions emerged during the interviews. Findings from the study also confirmed that science courses completed do not seem to have influenced participants' alternative conceptions. Overall, the results of the study suggest that more consideration should be given to identifying and modifying of the alternative conceptions of science so that teachers can better help their students to arrive at more accurate conceptions.