My topic is learning more about reforms-based teaching, the reason behind it, and how to incorporate it into your science teaching.
The link to my article can be found here
This article discusses the change from science focusing on memorization and following directions to a focus on building skills and conceptualizing students thinking. The old method focused on lecture and a teacher-centered classroom. The "reformed" method of teaching is much more hands on and puts students in the lead of conducting investigations, forming their own knowledge, and applying principles of science. There is a table in the article that compares the traditional and reform views of teaching science that I found very helpful. My science education was presented in the traditional method so I could really compare and contrast the styles because of my first hand experience. I could see the benefits of the reform method because it allows more student involvement, and makes science engaging and interesting. My experience with science was memorization and following steps from a textbook. The reform view is more about looking to the future and how you want students to be able to apply their knowledge.
The article focuses on creating an inquiry based classroom. Students develop problem-solving and communication skills, encourage curiosity, and develop real world skills. All of these relate back to the goals we created as a class. There was also another table that compares how real scientists work and the inquiry-based teaching approach. This table was just like a lightbulb moment for me. I don't think teachers usually view science instruction in this way. We tailor other subject areas to prepare students for the future, why would we not do the same for our students in science instruction. The article also encourages teachers to bring a scientist into the classroom, and I think that would be so exciting for students. Especially having them lead a lesson or do an experiment along with the students. They can talk about how they do their work and why science is important.
This article really gave me specific examples of how reforms-based teaching would look in a classroom. This was helpful for me in thinking about my teaching. The ideas were general, so they can be adopted in all classrooms where the teacher is willing. The comparisons were laid out so well in both tables, and gave explicit comparisons between two ideas. I saved this article to use for future reference.
I just recently posted about a similar topic- more focused on the questioning aspect of reform-based teaching. I think for a lot of us, this type of teaching is pretty foreign, and being able to actually conceptualize a classroom in this manner is difficult. On the other hand, from what we have seen in class and read in articles, there are so many advantages and benefits of these methods. I also like how you mention bringing in an "expert" in the field- there is so much to be learned from authentic, applicable experiences. I wish that my K-12 education would have included more experiences like this! Thanks for the reference...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erin for sharing the link. The charts gave concrete examples of how traditional and reformed-based science education looks. After our many discussions in class about learning theories and goals we have for students, I'm really surprised by how long it has taken teachers and other educators to realize how teaching should fit with learning theories and goals.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what you were talking about, but when I clicked the link at the top of your blog the chart helped me piece it together more. This is an interesting concept, thanks for the new information!
ReplyDeleteThis article was very helpful! I feel a lot of schools and teachers are trying to hold students accountable for their own learning in a more interactive way like you and the article are talking about. I had the same experience as you with memorization of information for a lot a subjects in school. From this I have learned just how important this science reform your talking about is. I am excited to see what else you find out!
ReplyDeleteI think this article would make a great resource for educators. This method of teaching is difficult and it may be hard to teachers to stick to it. Having multiple resources and outside tools can make this transition possible. I also think having specific examples gives teachers a chance to really see how this method can be used in the classroom.
ReplyDelete