Department of Education, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
ED30005 Science education in practice |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW 100% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: This unit provides students with an introduction to the teaching and learning of science at secondary level. It aims to:
a) provide an opportunity for students to engage in observational practice; b) become familiar with the content of the national curriculum; c) develop an understanding of the nature of science teaching and the difficulties encountered by children in the learning of science; d) appreciate the role of assessment in the learning and teaching of science. Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit students should be able to: a) identify and describe key aspects of a teacher's practice in the science classroom/laboratory; b) explain the structure and purposes of the National Curriculum for science; c) explain the role of investigative work in the learning of science; d) show how learning in science depends significantly on the knowledge and understanding of science children bring with them to the classroom; e) distinguish between the different modes of assessment (i.e. formative, summative, ipsative) and their role in learning science; f) relate theoretical aspects of teaching and learning science to the practice of science teachers observed in the school. Skills: Written communication (A), Oral communication (F), Presentation (F/A), Self-directed learning (F), Problem analysis, Research and reflection (F/A). Content: This unit considers teaching and theories of teaching within the context of science education. It includes a range of practical activities within a teaching context which are designed to illustrate the underlying theories. The unit considers issues such as curriculum and how it is interpreted, children's learning in science, the role of assessment, the purposes of practical/investigative work and the role of the teacher. The unit includes four Wednesday mornings spent in a local school science department. During these periods, students review the relationship between teaching and learning; consider issues related to designing a curriculum for science; explore the purposes of teaching science; find out how children learn science; observe the elements of science teaching; examine the conceptual nature of science learning; evaluate their experiences. Through the school experience ideas introduced during the seminars can be observed in operation. This unit is intended particularly for science, engineering and mathematics students who may be interested in a career in teaching. |