'Science PRactice' Practice
'Science PRactice' Practice
Embedded Files
The ‘Science Practice’ Practice schema is designed to deepen TAs’ understanding of science practices by immersing them in tasks that mirror the epistemic and cognitive work students engage in, such as modeling, experimental design, and data interpretation. To achieve this, the PD incorporated both tasks that were identical to those students would encounter in lab and TA-specific tasks that extended the student tasks. This design allowed TAs to experience science practices in a context that felt authentic and directly relevant to their teaching responsibilities.
While the primary focus was on cultivating a deeper understanding of science practice as a pedagogical goal, this schema also helps TAs to develop technical knowledge relevant to the lab course and build flexibility within the problem space. Each task also concluded with structured reflection prompts to help TAs connect their experience to instructional strategies and anticipate how to support student learning.
Curriculuar Task Example: Scient Practice reflection
Curriculuar Task Example: Scient Practice reflection
TAs engaged in a two-day unit similar to that of students. Following revisions of their models, TAs had a reflective group discussion. When TAs reflected on their own experience with the science-practice tasks their students would complete, they had the chance to build metaknowledge of science practices that would be useful for guiding students.
Stand alone task Example: interpreting molecular data
Stand alone task Example: interpreting molecular data
WT DIR Activity_final SP22.docxTAs first complete a data interpretation worksheet identical to students. Then consider how additional molecular data may influence a model. This task was explicitly framed to TAs as an opportunity to further practice their scientific practice. Reflection on their practice allowed TAs to consider how their own experiences with science practices might relate to how they could support students.
Page updated
Report abuse