Re: a query on standards

[Joel Rauber <Joel_Rauber@SDSTATE.EDU>]

Dewey,

I find such lists troubling.  On a minor note: the imperative style of
writing the standards makes me feel that nobody could live up to them, not
even most science Ph.D's.  Specific comments are interleaved below.

Joel Rauber
Joel_Rauber@sdstate.edu



> Principle 1: Knowledge of Subject Matter
>
> 3. The teacher understands the concepts of form and function.
>
> This is the issue I'm particularly interested in.  Is this an
> important
> subject matter theme in physics?  How would you assess
> teacher or student
> knowledge of this standard?

This is so vague as it stands that I have no idea how to assess this.  The
authors must have had something in mind.  I would say that it is not a
major
subject matter theme in physics other than perhaps as some sort of
metaphysical background.  If one is talking experimental apparatus here I'd
more or less make the same comment with the addition that I believe one is
much more concerned with the functionality of the apparatus than its form.
(although I remember, form follows function).


> Thanks for your help in this matter.
>
> Dewey
>
> PS: Just so you know what's in the rest in this category, here are the
> other items in the Knowledge section of Principle 1.  (They
> divide up the
> standards by knowledge, disposition, and performance types of
> standards.)
> I have some problems with #7 since if we knew the "answer" to
> this one,
> then we wouldn't be complaining about the rest.
>
> 1. The teacher knows the history and nature of science and scientific
> theories.
>
> 2. The teacher understands that all sciences are related.
>
> 4. The teacher understands the interconnectedness among the science
> disciplines.
>
> 5. The teacher understands the process of scientific inquiry.
>
> 6. The teacher knows how to investigate scientific phenomena,
> interpret
> findings, and communicate information to students.
>
> 7. The teacher knows how to effectively communicate and
> reinforce science
> concepts and principles through lessons, demonstrations, and
> laboratory
> activities.

What does #7 have to do with "Knowledge of Subject Matter", it seems to me
to have a lot more to do with Praxis of the Pedagogical art!  Which I
assume
is addressed in some other Principle of the standards.  To a partial extent
I'd make the same criticism of item #6.