Teachers' Views of the Philosophy of Science and the Way Science is Taught in the Classroom

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between teachers' views of science and the way science is taught in the classroom. The results of this study can be summarized as follows. (1) Almost all of the teachers' views of science are traditional (Inductivism and Hypotheticodeductivism). More than half of them believe in traditional scientific methods, even teachers who have modern views on the criteria of demarcation. (2) Most elementary school teachers feel that guidance is more important in the constructivist approach. On the other hand, most lower secondary school teachers believe that content is more important. Despite this difference, teachers give careful consideration to traditional scientific methods.