(May 29, 2008) Twenty Six Korean high school biology teachers will be visiting Illinois State University this summer to attend a professional development program, spearheaded by Do-Yong Park. The program, geared at highly motivated and experienced teachers, will allow participants to update their knowledge in biological sciences, expand their understanding of the U.S. high school culture, and improve their teaching strategies of high school biology by updating pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in biology education. This is the second year ISU has offered this program.
The month-long summer institute will harness teaching methodologies and practices, and provide participants with hands-on experiences through a wide range of in-service training opportunities. The program is organized into three different components. The first, occurring at ISU, offers vigorous lectures and workshops related to biology, led by in-house teaching faculty and guest speakers. The second portion of the program is held at a school site, allowing participants to observe classroom instruction and various subject-related activities. This part of the professional development focuses on teaching practices and workshops. The final component offers an outdoor cultural workshop through meaningful cultural learning activities and field trips.
Park, assistant professor of Science Education, is excited about this program. Because the Korean science teachers are here to learn the latest, cutting-edge knowledge in biology, Park says that it shows that each country is committed to obtaining meaningful professional development for the teachers. "Since Korean students rank top on the international achievement tests in science and math (TIMSS and PSA)," he states, "the fact that lead science teachers from Korea will be attending the program shows that ISU's biological sciences programs are highly regarded nationally." In addition Parks says, "I am so proud of the robust background of education with an elegant history in teacher education within the College of Education. I am glad that the College of Education's faculty expertise and experiences will provide a quality professional workshop for veteran science teachers from Korea."
The professional development program will run from July 7 through August 5, 2008. It is funded by an $125,284 grant from the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (Korea).
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