Title

What Makes Science Hard for Newcomers?

Authors

Sheila Tobias

Document Type

Lecture

Publication Date

8-23-2013

Abstract

Part I What makes science hard for newcomers?
1) The background (briefly) of my research - (why the math anxiety model doesn’t fit)
2) The Tier analysis (a visual) – message: there are many types of science learners in your class than simply younger versions of yourself
3) Three approaches (bio, chem, physics) but only one Nature
4) The (different) vocabularies of the three Sciences
5) How mathematics is variously used in Science

Part II Rules and rules-driven assignments- lQ vs OQ
1) How to incorporate creativity into assignments and tests?
2) Tests- borrowing “thought questions" from other fields (If Columbus hadn't discovered the new World, when and under whose law would it have been discovered?)
3) Grading practices (partial credit, post-exam credit for finding and explaining nontrivial errors
4) Icing on the cake – applications, examples of science/engineering from Tuesdays NY Times

Part III Making Change at the Departmental Level
1) Taking control of at least some portion of the curriculum
2) Varying style of presentation
3) Taking control of at least some portion of the exams
4) GRADING pros and cons of grading on a curve
5) Updating labs and lab reporting.

Streaming Media

Comments

Sheila Tobias is an author, consultant and educational innovator. She recently co-authored Science Teaching as a Profession. Why it isn't. How it could be. Visit her website for a complete list of publications.

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