Table 4: An interview with a Primary School science coordinator

Sample interview questions for the Principal Responses from the Principal and/or
and/or science coordinator/teacher re: science coordinator/teacher re:
science provision in the setting. science provision in the setting.
Is there a science coordinator and/or
1 how many specified science teachers are There are 10 science teachers in the school.
there in the school?
Teaching
What are the duties/responsibilities of the Doing assemblies
science teacher/coordinator? Participate in science fair
Break duties
Does she teach any, all students or just specific Teaching primary section grade 1 and
year groups? grade 2

Obtain a teaching schedule and any schemes of

work, lesson plans, software used etc. from the
science coordinator/teacher.

2 Who is responsible for science policy and HOD : Ms. Hanada

provision within the setting?
(Can we obtain a copy of the policy?)

3 Online/Blended Learning:
Online Think Central
Does the setting have its own website? If so,
what is the URL, who created it and who is
responsible for managing and updating it?
Yes, there is using the projector and
Is there any online/blended learning taking different educational websites.
place related to science? If so, how is this
delivered?
Projector, computer, Wi-Fi.
What ICT resources are used specifically for
teaching science?
4 What science Models, flash cards, kits, experiment
equipment/manipulatives/resources can materials
be found the setting? (Is there a list? Differentiate
between the classroom; the science lab and other areas in the
setting e.g. library)
No there is no budget for materials
Is there a budget for materials?
By experience
Who trains teachers and staff in the use the
equipment? The teacher who is in charge of labs.

Who manages the equipment and materials?

5 Is/Are there dedicated science labs in Yes, used by teacher and its organized by
this setting? technician
If yes, how is it used and by whom? How is it
 organised? What equipment can be found
here?

If no, why not? e.g. lack of funds? No need? Yes

Enough science equipment and expertise in
each classroom?

Does the setting feel it has enough specialist

science teachers, technicians and dedicated
science rooms?
6 Which science resources does the setting All resources are needed in science
feel it needs or would like to have to
achieve its vision or better science
teaching and learning?

e.g. Science Kits, books, wifi,

manipulatives/models, digital
cameras/camcorders, lab equipment OR soft
materials (consumables- colored paper, glue,
popsicle sticks etc.).
7 What are the safety rules?

Are the safety rules posted in the science Yes of course.

setting?
Posted in the classroom
Who developed these and are they
mandatory/enforced?
8 What safety equipment is available and
when is it used commonly?

Is safety equipment available for all students in Yes, the teacher.

the classrooms?

Is equipment cleaned, if so by whom? Who

manages this duty?
9 Planning for learning- how are the
science lessons planned for in the
setting?
No, by the teacher alone
Does the MOE/Zone/KHDA provide unit
plans/lesson plans? (can we obtain a copy of
this?)
Yes, discussion, following the weekly
Are there weekly planning meetings? What is work, exams, deadlines
usually done in the planning meetings?

Who attends the planning meetings? Yes

Does the school have specific goals related to

science (TIMMS scores etc.)?
1 How is learning assessed in the science
0 classroom?
Is there an assessment plan for the semester?
What does it include?
Yes by self-assessment, orally
questionnaire, group work, teacher
observation.

Do teachers collect student data? What data,

when, and what is it used for?

How do students get feedback so that they can

make improvements?
1 What science professional development /
1 training do teachers currently receive or Differentiation in reading and writing held
have recently had? by Houghton Miffin (all prints)
How frequently and from whom did they /are
they receiving this?
Do they have a document that outlines this PD?

What PD do they think teachers in the setting

still need?