Cases in Middle and Secondary Science Education: The Promise and Dilemmas

by Thomas R. Koballa Jr.

This casebook is ideal for preservice teachers to use as a problem-solving vehicle for science teaching and learning at the middle and secondary levels. It assists in developing an understanding of prevailing instructional practices and challenges current traditional approaches with convincing arguments that are supported by research. Ten of the twelve chapters contain 3-4 cases each; the initial chapter introduces the case method and the final chapter describes how to develop a cases based on teachers' personal experiences. Highlights the many dilemmas associated with middle school and secondary science teaching. Provides possible solutions for open cases and responses to closed cases. Includes case commentaries. Presents situations that are embedded contextually and do not have a right answer or a clear solution. The text is intended for beginning and experienced middle school and secondary science teachers, science teacher educators, science teacher mentors, and school administrators. It is also appropriate for secondary education courses at the graduate level.

281 pages, Paperback

First published October 12, 1999