Teachers Continued Education: strategies for Astronomy teaching in elementary classes

Abstract

The current research study reports the results obtained on some of the strategies used in short duration courses on Basic Astronomy entitled: Observing the Sky/Understanding the Planet Earth, specially designed for teachers of elementary classes. This type of course was planned and subsidized based on researches of teachers alternative conceptions on Astronomy. Our initial idea to elaborate such course was based on the theory that, in order to change teachers conceptions about teaching and learning processes, we would have to lead them to a conflictive situation in which they could expose their own conceptions through a participative dialogue in searching of new knowledge. Questionnaires were used to assess how teachers use didactics books to convey information to their students, such as the process of building up scientific knowledge. Aspects of their practices as well as their own professional education were also contemplated in the questionnaires. An analysis of the answers received after those courses has shown us that participating teachers have indeed changed some of their attitudes regarding their professional praxis, while at the same time reporting valuable contributions and suggestions of conceptual change strategies. Those changes, reflected in their answers, have demonstrated that the strategies employed were successful and have highlighted the importance of continuous education.