A workshop approach: Instructional strategies for working within the constraints of field experiences in elementary science

Successful experiences teaching science early on can impact teachers’ continued teaching of science; therefore, field-based teaching experiences are critical to preservice teacher education in science. Such field experiences may be subject to constraints, however, such as limited time, which prevent preservice teachers from experiencing this early success. In this paper, the author describes an existing field-based teaching experience and her personal experiences implementing an innovative approach while working within limited time constraints. The workshop approach used in the field experience provided preservice teachers with the opportunity to readjust ineffective strategies and refine their teaching while developing techniques for working with students of different grade levels.