Evaluation and Research in Education
Editor: Professor Keith Morrison, Inter-University Institute of Macau
Associate Editor: Professor Stephen Gorard, University of York
Statistical Adviser: Professor Colin Baker, University of Wales Bangor
Reviews Editor: Dr. Emma Smith, University of York
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Volume: 12 Number: 2 Page: 96–111
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Student Teachers' Attitudes Towards Science (STATS)
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Tricia Young
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This article reports the findings of a study designed to examine and quantify the attitudes towards science amongst primary student teachers. It is assumed that the attitude of a teacher to a subject is
a major influence on his/her learning and subsequent teaching of that subject. Attitude is found to be closely linked to choice of subject for study. Student primary teachers whose main subject is science
have a markedly more positive attitude towards science than those of any other subject group. Mathematics students are relatively confident about the study of science. 'English' students, which in this
study include a high proportion of mature females, contrast most with science students. Technology students have a surprisingly relatively low attitude towards science. There are some distinctions in 'perception
of the teacher' depending on gender and age. Reservations are noted about the use and interpretation of attitude measuring instruments. Comment is made on the need to address attitude directly during teacher
training programmes.
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