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Volume 2 |
Problems and Extensions |
Designing Units & Courses |
• Suppose you could interview one of the following theorists: Piaget, Skinner, Pavlov, Bruner, Ausubel. How would the theorists you choose respond to the following: 1). Students learn best when they..... 2). What is learning? 3). What is the best way to teach science? 4) How would you motivate reluctant learners?
• Visit one or two secondary science classrooms to find out if there is any evidence of the following learning theories being put into practice: behavioral theories, cognitive theories, social learning theories. Cite examples of classroom practice that are related to the theories you observe.
• Student attitudes in science have been slipping in recent years. What are some ways to turn this trend around? Collaborate with a small group and brainstorm as many ideas as you can think of. Rank order the ideas, and then present them to the class. Ask members of the class if they have witnessed any of the recommendations you group made.
• Select a chapter form a secondary science textbook. Examine the chapter in light of the theories of learning that you have studied in this chapter. Is there any evidence of behaviorism in the chapter? Cognitive learning theory? Social learning theory?
• Design a model of learning using what you have learned in this chapter, and from your previous courses and experiences. Your model should be a visual display, and should reflect your beliefs and knowledge about student learning.
• Become one of the following characters, and role play a discussion about improving learning in the science classroom. The fundamental question is "What are the best ways to improve student achievement and attitudes in science?" The characters include: Piaget, Skinner, Pavlov, Ausubel, Vygotsky.
• How do you suppose the following scientists would explain learning, and what recommendations do you think they would make about contempory science teaching: Albert Einstein, Rosalyn Franklin, Marie Curie, Linus Pauling, Stephen Jay Gould, Issac Azimov, and Benjamin Banaker.