Q and A with Uncovering Student Ideas in Science author Page Keeley

Summary

The speaker reflects on their journey as a middle school teacher, inspired by an article that emphasized the importance of confronting students' misconceptions through engaging questions. They highlight how children construct knowledge from early interactions with the natural world and the need for teachers to uncover these preconceptions before lessons. By using 'juicy questions' like the chicken egg probe, educators can stimulate deeper thinking about scientific principles. This approach not only aids in understanding but also transforms teaching, ensuring that lessons effectively address students' existing ideas.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker's journey began as a middle school teacher, influenced by an article on confronting students' misconceptions.
• 🧠 Children develop their understanding of the natural world from a young age through play and everyday experiences.
• 🌙 Misconceptions, like the phases of the moon being caused by the Earth's shadow, often stem from common observations in children's lives.
• 🔍 Teachers should take time to uncover students' preconceptions before launching into lessons or activities.
• 📝 Formative assessment is crucial for informing instructional decisions and enhancing student learning.
• 🍳 'Juicy questions' can elicit deeper thinking and reveal multiple scientific concepts, as demonstrated with the chicken egg example.
• ⚖️ Conservation of matter is a key scientific principle that students may misunderstand without proper exploration.
• 🔄 Addressing misconceptions early is essential, as they can persist into adulthood if not challenged.
• 🎓 Probing questions encourage critical thinking and help students articulate their reasoning about scientific concepts.
• 📖 The speaker has developed a collection of probes over the years to assist teachers in guiding student learning effectively.

Q & A

What inspired the speaker to focus on probing students' misconceptions in science education?

The speaker was inspired by an article about a teacher who confronted students' misconceptions through a thought-provoking question, leading them to discover the truth for themselves.

What was the specific example used by the teacher in the article?

The teacher asked students what they thought would happen if a thermometer was placed inside their hats and coats, which led to discussions about their misconceptions regarding temperature.

How did the speaker use the 'Mitten problem' in their teaching?

The speaker created the 'Mitten problem' to investigate students' ideas about heat and temperature, finding that they shared similar misconceptions as the students in the article.

Why is it important to uncover students' preconceptions before teaching a lesson?

Uncovering students' preconceptions helps teachers understand where their students are in their understanding, allowing for more effective instructional decisions and targeted learning paths.

What role does play have in children's understanding of scientific concepts?

Children develop ideas about the natural world through play and interaction, forming understandings that they carry into formal education, which can lead to misconceptions if not addressed.

Can you provide an example of a common misconception students have about the moon's phases?

A common misconception is that the phases of the moon are caused by the Earth's shadow being cast on the moon, rather than understanding the moon's position relative to the Earth and sun.

What are 'juicy questions,' and why are they important?

'Juicy questions' are probing questions that elicit a wide range of ideas and concepts from students, helping to uncover their understanding and misconceptions about scientific principles.

What does the chicken egg mass probe demonstrate about conservation of matter?

The chicken egg mass probe challenges students' understanding of conservation of matter by asking them to consider whether the mass of an egg changes from when it is laid to when the chick hatches.

What misconception do teachers often have regarding the mass of a chicken egg?

Many teachers mistakenly believe that the mass of the egg stays the same, while some might think it increases due to the presence of a fully developed chick inside.

How does the speaker believe formative assessment can enhance science teaching?

Formative assessment can enhance science teaching by providing insights into students' preconceptions and guiding instructional approaches that help them reach a more accurate understanding of scientific concepts.