TEACHER PERCEPTIONS OF FACTORS THAT AFFECT TEACHING SPACE SCIENCE IN TEXAS

The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of teachers teaching

space science associated subjects in Texas public schools, identify their perceived ability

to teach these subjects, and to identify any impediments or enhancements to their ability

to teach the subjects. The study was conducted through a mixed method design that

included quantitative data from a survey and qualitative information obtained through

a survey, interviews and classroom visitations. The survey methodology used

primarily electronic delivery to 316 teachers, professors, and administrators from at

least 106 Texas public school districts across the state. The results provided insights

into the current condition of Texas space science education and challenges faced by

the teachers in the areas of curriculum definition, textbook availability, access to

subject matter expertise, technology use, and teacher training.

Many of the teachers reported common processes and encountered common

challenges. Differences among the teachers were based on grade levels and subjects

taught, years of experience, location, and information accessibility. Many participants

in this study felt they were moderately knowledgeable and could provide adequate

instruction in the space sciences fields, but that their instruction could be enhanced

through access to more and better subject content information, technology, resources,

and training. There were several key findings. Curricula were not perceived to be

uniformly defined. While space science content was taught in most K-8 grades,

teachers felt there was little continuity from one grade to the next. And, while an

abundance of technical content was available on the internet, teachers said that the

lack of organization for ease of use and the apparent difficulty in finding suitable

classroom activities that promote critical thinking skills requires attention. The

development of required instructional resources identified in this study would be a step

towards establishing a comprehensive curriculum for space science.