Taiwanese science teacher education research –capturing the spirit of PCK

Abstract

In 1994, when the new Teachers Education Law was enacted, the teacher education system in Taiwan was decentralized. Multiple channels were opened for teacher preparation. Technology-supported e-learning environments and infrastructure were well developed and the accompanying science teacher education research focused on the standards of science teaching among preservice teachers, the standard-based teacher education programs’ outcome, the certification standards of preservice and intern teachers, and the impact of mentoring system on internship science teachers. We found that the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) spirit influenced a majority of teacher education research in Taiwan. This chapter discusses the science teacher education research in Taiwan over the past 20 years and explains the influence of the National Science Council (NSC) and Ministry of Education (MOE) on science teacher education research and policy, preservice science teacher education research (including internships), and in-service science teacher education research in Taiwan. Finally, we derive some conclusions on the science teacher education research over the past 20 years in Taiwan.