Science Talk: A Pedagogical Tool for Using Instructional Conversation for Conceptual Growth in Science

Session Format

Presentation Session (45 minutes)

Location

Room 2911

Abstract for the conference program

Non-science majors often do not engage in the intellectual processes of science despite substantial previous exposure to science courses. We have observed many students who are able to produce “right” answers that merely covered over profound misunderstandings about how scientists use evidence to create models. Only through extended discussions which hold students accountable for evidence have we been able to facilitate students’ learning of this core activity of science. We have therefore adopted conversation as our principal instructional tool. Our goal for this session is to engage participants in actual course activities to explore what works in navigating students’ struggles with how to connect experimental data with scientific theories.

Proposal Track

Research Project

Start Date

3-8-2013 1:45 PM

End Date

3-8-2013 2:30 PM

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Mar 8th, 1:45 PM Mar 8th, 2:30 PM

Science Talk: A Pedagogical Tool for Using Instructional Conversation for Conceptual Growth in Science

Room 2911

Non-science majors often do not engage in the intellectual processes of science despite substantial previous exposure to science courses. We have observed many students who are able to produce “right” answers that merely covered over profound misunderstandings about how scientists use evidence to create models. Only through extended discussions which hold students accountable for evidence have we been able to facilitate students’ learning of this core activity of science. We have therefore adopted conversation as our principal instructional tool. Our goal for this session is to engage participants in actual course activities to explore what works in navigating students’ struggles with how to connect experimental data with scientific theories.