Inquiry Science Learning: Perspectives and Practices 2 - Techniques for Success

Overview

A revolution is underway in science classrooms. The demands of the new workplace and the ready access to information afforded by new technologies have radically changed the way we define a scientifically literate society.

More than ever teachers need professional development that provides them with the resources they need and empowers them to take the action required to build classrooms where the next generation of scientifically literate students will flourish.

Inquiry Science Learning: Perspectives and Practices consists of four courses, each designed to address a different strand in the development of skills teachers need to meet the demands of their career, including the following.

Science Leadership
Techniques for Success
Science Content
Student-Centered Inquiry

In this second course we will focus on helping teachers master techniques and strategies that create a learning environment that will empower students and enhance their mastery of science content and skills.

Syllabus

Week 1: Standards Dissection:

Participants will learn how to analyze the verbiage of their science standards in order to turn the concepts within into meaningful learning experiences

Week 2: Assessment That Informs Teaching:

Participants will learn how to evaluate and develop better multiple choice assessment items to provide useable data

Week 3: Questioning Strategies:

Participant will learn how to construct rich questions that will encourage all learners to participate in the inquiry process

Week 4: Prepared Environment:

Participants will learn easy ways to change their classroom environment in order to promote independent exploration