Ferre Laevers

Understanding the Physical World: Teacher and Pupil Attitudes Towards Science and Technology

In this study, an intervention was set up aimed at improving both teachers’ attitudes and competences in relation to science and technology, and teaching these subjects. The present report focuses specifically on teacher attitudes and how these evolve throughout the school year. A pre- and posttest design was used to evaluate teacher attitudes in relation to science and technology (and teaching these subjects) before and after the intervention trajectory. Additionally, children’s attitudes were investigated to explore the relations between teachers’ attitudes (and how these evolve) on the one hand, and (changes in) their pupils’ attitudes on the other. At last, we explored the intervention inputs for critical tools/aids to change attitudes.