Improving the Quality of Science and Mathematics Education--The Role of Higher Education. Report on a Planning Meeting (Hertford, United Kingdom, May 26-29, 1992). Quality in Basic Education: Science, Technology, and Mathematics.

Overview & Synopsis

This monograph reports on the Planning Meeting of the Commonwealth Project on Improving the Quality of Science and Mathematics Education at the Basic Level which focused on the role of higher education. The purpose of the meeting was to make recommendations for improving the preparation and training of science and mathematics teachers for the first 9 years of education and of trainers of science and mathematics teachers. The report summarizes the meeting discussions on the following topics: curriculum and curriculum change; the education of teachers; inservice education of teachers (INSET); problems in teaching and teacher education; improving the education of teachers and teacher educators; proposals for gathering and disseminating information about INSET programs; and a strategy and action plan for developing INSET guidelines. Brief descriptions of several INSET programs are included. Four recommendations resulted from the meeting: (1) policies on education and professional development of teacher educators should be reviewed; (2) the proposed programs of overlapping and sustained INSET for teachers and teacher educators should be implemented; (3) steps should be taken to identify key personnel to take part in such INSET programs at all levels; and (4) national committees on basic science and mathematics teaching should be established to collect and review existing INSET materials and to prepare for regional and local workshops and INSET programs. Appendices include a list of consultants at the meeting, a list of documents prepared for the meeting, and draft suggestions for content guidelines. (Contains 11 references.) (ND)