EDUC 4300

Week 11, 11/14, 11/19

Review

Chapter 7:  Assessment

Basic Goals: 

1.      To explore authentic methods of assessment

2.      To develop an assessment system that will enable the student to measure and report children’s success in science meaningfully

Lesson:

1.      Use guided inquiry activity as an example – ask students to suggest ways of assessing each other’s performance on the activity. 

a.       Before deciding how to assess, one must decide what to assess

b.      What should be assessed?  (see 7.1 constructing your ideas):  make a list of things you believe should be assessed in elementary science

c.       Using the list and name ways of assessing that item. 

2.      Some Indicators of Proficiency in the Processes - handouts

Mini Hands-on Activities:  Taysha, Brian (AM), Keri, Ryan, Hanna (PM)

Assignments Review: 

1.      Share answers to the following questions (on p. 337):

1.      Contrast traditional assessment methods with authentic assessment methods relative to advantages and disadvantages.

2.      How can a teacher justify giving class grades when using authentic assessment and constructivist teaching and learning methodologies?

3.      How can a teacher use discovery, inquiry-based constructivist teaching strategies while concurrently meeting the requirements of high-stakes testing?

2.       Share:  Construct a rubric for one of your science activities (ex. Rockets, pitch of sound, etc.)

Chapter 8:  The Elementary Science Classroom

Basic Goals:

1.      To explore practical considerations of implementing constructivist science in elementary classrooms

2.      To investigate safety precautions needed in elementary science

3.      To explore ways of incorporating field trips, visits to museums, and other non-traditional locations in the constructivist elementary science program

Lesson:

1.      Time management (planning activities to promote maximum personal constructions)

2.      Classroom organization (packaging science equipment), safety issues

Chapter 9:  Reading, Writing, and Interdisciplinary Approaches

1.      To investigate ways in which children’s literature and science can be integrated

2.      To explore models of interdisciplinary approaches to elementary science education

Lesson:  share the experience of developing a thematic unit

Activities:  electricity – building a circuit (Davis), Group 4 (AM), Group1 (PM)

Assignment for next week:  Answer 3 questions on p. 422

1.      Contrast the subject-centered approach to teaching science with the interdisciplinary and integrated approaches, relative to content exposure and meaningful learning.

2.      What advice would you give to a person who claims that science can be taught adequately through a literature-centered approach?

3.      How would you incorporate writing into your science program?