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A critical analysis of
General Professional issues in
relation to the teaching of your subject.



Background

In order qualify as a teacher, you are required to achieve Qualified Teacher Status obtained by undertaking initial teacher training, this is supported by a framework of professional standards indicating areas that a teacher needs to expand on in order to develop professionally and enhance their careers (TDA 2007). Continuing Professional Development is key to effective teaching and reflection is used as a tool to enhance a teacher’s attributes, knowledge and skills. All children need some understanding of science to contribute fully in today’s society, which is constantly changing in line with scientific advancements, hence science is taught as a core subject throughout schools in the curriculum.

Prior to the twentieth century, teachers were provided with little training to prepare them for the challenges of teaching. During the next hundred years, an increase in formal preparation including training courses; the introduction of unions, and strict guidelines as set out in the National Curriculum have increased awareness as to the uncertain status that teaching has in modern society.


Introduction

D’Andrea and Gosling state that:
‘An effective professional needs to reflect critically on his/her own performance in a continuous process of review and evaluation, leading to further planning and implementation, which is again subject to review.’

Teachers aspire to be recognised as being true professionals, however in social grouping teaching does not command the same prestige as other professions, such as medicine and law.

In order to teach science at secondary school level a teacher has to gain not only a relevant first class degree but also undergo formal professional teacher training, in total this may take...