Table 2 BARSTL survey items showing change from pre- to post-course

Positive scoring viewpoint change

9

2

3

3

3

During a lesson, students should explore and conduct their own experiments with hands-on materials before the teacher discusses any scientific concepts with them.

17

2

3

3

3

Students should do most of the talking in geoscience classrooms.

24

2

3

3

3

Geoscience teachers should primarily act as a resource person, working to support and enhance student investigations rather than explaining how things work.

32

2

2

3

3

A good science curriculum should focus on the history and nature of science and how science affects people and societies.

Positive scoring agreement level change

4^a

1

1

1

2

Students are more likely to understand a scientific concept if the teacher explains the concept in a way that is clear and easy to understand.

13

3

3

4

4

Lessons should be designed in a way that allows students to learn new concepts through inquiry instead of through a lecture, a reading, or a demonstration.

28

3

3

3

4

The science curriculum should encourage students to learn and value alternative modes of investigation or problem solving.

15

18

20

22