Multimedia resources to bridge the praxis gap : modelling practice in elementary science education

Abstract

In this paper, we report on the development and use of multimedia resources to illustrate the teaching of science in elementary schools within a constructivist, inquiry-oriented framework. These learning resources, which are designed around interactive CDROMs, supplement an instructional program that engages learners in a range of inter-related ways (Watters & Ginns, 2000). The multimedia resources have been validated by experienced teachers and used within preservice elementary science teacher education programs. Through interactive engagement with the materials, students explore theoretically justified teaching practices. The evaluation of the materials indicate that preservice teachers benchmark themselves against the practices of the teachers, gain insights into science teaching ideas and see value in the resource as a reference for future practice.