Explaining science in the classroom

 Starting in the classroom, or the laboratory, with the most common occurence - a teacher offering an explanation, it proceeds by analysing the nature of specific explanations so that teachers can gain fuller insights into what is happening. Having teased out the processes of explanation, the authors then reconstruct them showing how elaboration, transformation and demonstration can enhance the understanding of the learner.

Professor Peter Mortimore * How do science teachers explain science to students? * What makes explanations work? Is explaining science just an art, or can it be described, taught and learned? That is the question posed by this book. From extensive classroom observations, the authors give vivid descriptions of how teachers explain science to students, and provide their account with a sound theoretical basis.

Attention is given to the ways in which needs for explanation are generated, how the strange new entities of science - from genes to electrons - are created through talk and action, how knowledge is transformed to become explainable, and how demonstrations link explanation and reality. Different styles of explanation are illustrated, from the 'teller of tales' to those who ask students to 'say it my way'. Explaining Science in the Classroom is a new and exciting departure in science education. It brings together science educators and specialists in discourse and communication, to reach a new synthesis of ideas. The book offers science teachers very practical help and insight. 

Show health and safety information

Please be aware that resources have been published on the website in the form that they were originally supplied. This means that procedures reflect general practice and standards applicable at the time resources were produced and cannot be assumed to be acceptable today. Website users are fully responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is in accordance with current regulations related to health and safety and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.

Subject(s)Science
Author(s)Jon Ogborn, Gunther Kress, Isabel Martins, Kieran McGillicuddy
Age11-14, 14-16
Published1996
Published by

Shelf referenceA 507.12 OGB
ISN/ISBN9780335197194
Direct URLhttps://www.stem.org.uk/x85cw

This is a physical resource. Come and visit the National STEM Learning Centre library to see it.

Find out more about the Centre