| The notion of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) was proposed in the 1980s. PCK is closely related to teachers' classroom practices, but a review of research on PCK revealed that few previous studies had focused on how PCK is transformed into classroom practice. Using three high school chemistry teachers in Beijing as cases, this study investigated the transformation process of PCK. They taught chemical reaction rate by using inquiry teaching and learning in their schools. Interviews and direct observations were used to collect data on the actual teaching and learning process in their classrooms. The research focused on four areas: teacher knowledge and beliefs about inquiry; the PCK for inquiry teaching; teacher behaviors in the classroom; and the transformation of PCK into classroom teaching as well as the factors affecting the transformation process.;It was found that the process of PCK transformation can be analyzed from three perspectives. First, teachers' levels of understanding of inquiry affected their selection of learning objectives, content, teaching strategies, and assessment. Three major difficulties encountered by the three teachers were identified. Secondly, teachers' levels of PCK influenced the transformation of PCK into classroom teaching. Experienced teachers were able to transform their PCK more easily than novice teachers. However, both experienced and novice teachers had to pay more attention to students' needs when designing and implementing inquiry teaching. Thirdly, the three teachers held complex and conflicting beliefs about teaching and learning. The key factors affecting the transformation of PCK into classroom teaching included teacher self-efficacy, beliefs about student ability, peer support, textbooks, curriculum guides, and examinations.;These findings have important implications for teacher professional development and science teaching and learning in school.;Key words: pedagogical content knowledge, inquiry, inquiry teaching, teaching behavior, teachers' belief, transformation. |
