In this study, a Beliefs About Teaching (BAT) scale was created to examine preservice elementary science teachers’ self-reported
comfort level with both traditional and reform-based teaching methods, assessment techniques, classroom management techniques,
and science content. Participants included 166 preservice teachers from three different US universities. Analyses revealed
significant correlations among participants’ confidence level with assessment techniques, classroom management, teaching methods,
and science content and number of science methods and science content courses taken. A significant difference was observed
among the students enrolled at each university. Overall, study participants felt more comfortable teaching biology concepts
than teaching chemistry concepts, physics concepts, or both.
Keywords Preservice teachers - Teaching beliefs - Science teaching