Science education: teaching and learning in science
Dr A P Horvath and Dr B Sharpley
8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Peninsula
*
Prerequisites: EDN2475 and EDN3475
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be familiar with the ideas of learning (elements of memory, prior knowledge, rehearsal, cognitive strategies, abilities); competent in using a range of methods (observation, questioning, concept maps [drawings], POEs, journals [thinking books]) to determine young children's understandings; familiar with the learning outcomes of the four strands at levels 1-4 of the Curriculum and Standards Framework series; able to devise and prepare `stand alone' or integrated science activities using a variety of teaching strategies; experienced in using observational learning processes such as observation, classification, ordering, interpreting, to meaningfully understand natural events; able to explore the role that technology, especially computers, can play in children's learning; able to identify and explore their own beliefs, values and attitudes towards a range of science-technology-society-environment issues.
Synopsis This subject aims to encourage students to explore their own ideas and understandings of a range of natural phenomena, and as a result increase their confidence in teaching and learning science. It will provide an opportunity for students to explore and devise appropriate learning activities and strategies that could be used in primary school classes. Students will be introduced to a range of methods that can be used to explore and describe children's understandings, as well as common curricula such as the Curriculum and Standards Framework (CSM) series and the national curriculum.
Assessment Design and presentation of a science curriculum unit (3000
words): 50%
* Folio of work tasks (2500 words): 50%
* Hurdle: Class
attendance
Recommended texts
Australian Academy of Science Primary investigations. The science program for primary schools Books 1-4, Australian Academy of Science, 1994
Victorian Board of Studies Curriculum and standards framework: Science VBOS, 1995
White R T Learning science Blackwell, 1988
White R T and Gunstone R F Probing understanding Falmer Press, 1992
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