School of Education Research Staff Profile

Peter Taylor

Developmental work and research activity

Peter's current research interests are focussed around science teacher education. This arises from Peter’s current role leading the secondary science teacher education programmes at the university. Associated with this Peter completed research for his MA in the areas of subject knowledge development of trainee teachers and pupils understanding of physical science concepts.

Peter is also interested in developing work related to children’s learning of science (and their alternative conceptions), accelerated learning programmes, applied science courses and the use of ICT in teaching science.

Key publications and materials developed

• Materials developed on the development of children’s understanding of electricity flow in circuits. Also subject knowledge development of trainee science teachers.

Recent conference papers

• Laverty J, Smith S, Swift D & Taylor P (2012) 'Piloting research from an EdD perspective', University of Wolverhampton, SEF Research Conference, June 2012.
• ESERA, Istanbul 2009 – 'How do pre-service secondary science teachers strategise their pedagogy to teach for conceptual change?'
• University of Wolverhampton Research Conference, May 2009 – 'Pedagogic tactics to teach for conceptual change: evidence from beginning secondary science teachers'
• ASE BERA, January 2009 – 'How do beginning science teachers strategise their pedagogy to overcome their pupils'
• ATSEE, February 2007 – 'Subject knowledge development of trainee science teachers'
• ATSE spring conference 2007 at the Institute of Physics ‘Subject knowledge development of trainee science teachers: A case study into how to promote effective development.’ 16^th March 2007. Presentation available on ATSE website.
• School of Education Annual Research conference at Wolverhampton City Campus, ‘Subject knowledge development of trainee science teachers: A case study into how to promote effective development’ 10^th May 2006.

Current development and research projects

Strategies used by trainee teachers in lessons to support and expose conceptual understanding are actively under investigation.