Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Inquiry Project
I really don't want to go at this solo, but I haven't talked to anyone else in class. I really want to look at building from simple texts to more advanced ones. Science articles are very difficult to comprehend and the vocab is something very few people have to deal with in everyday situations. I believe if I can start by having students read internet articles (such as ones from CNN) or read studies done by other high school students it can help start a foundation that the students can build upon. I want to have students split up into small groups and read these shorter, easier articles. They would then discuss them with one another. The students could then piece the articles together by hearing each other discuss what they brought out of the reading. I can then give the students a slightly more difficult article and have them do the same thing. Ofcourse, I would have read the articles also and would be able to discuss the articles with them. Eventually, the students will work up to the point where they are able to read and better understand some scientific articles. I am in no way fully committed to this inquiry, but it is something I'd like to look into.
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Paul, I think that this can be a very productive topic for you to research. From class we have discussed the difficulties of reading science content material and I believe that your methods would serve as a bridge into difficult content reading. My only fear is that you might not have a lot of available research that expresses similar concerns and thoughts. I am in somewhat the same boat so don't worry. Hopefully we can do our own research if we can't find previously completed research about our topic. Even though you have limits to this topic I think it is topic worth your commitment. Good Luck.
ReplyDeleteThis type of scaffolding approach will have a positive result in your classroom. It is always a good idea to build up to difficult subjects, and I'm sure science texts are no different. The incorporation of group discussion only enhances this already strong tactic. Working alone, you may think you are correct. When you work within a group, the other individuals can validate your thoughts or direct you to a more productive train of thought.
ReplyDeletePaul this sounds like a great idea. Whenever my students don't seem to be getting a concept i always break it down for them and then build them back up slowly to what i am trying to get them to understand. Breaking down the readings and science concepts and terminology for them is a great way to help them slowly be able to build their knowledge and truly understand science better.
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