Promoting Discourse and Argumentation in Science
Course Description:
Argumentation and discourse are especially important in science education because they play such a key role in authentic scientific communities. Often science collaboration takes the form of disagreement and argument about evidence. Scientists constantly challenge and validate each other's ideas in order to advance knowledge. In this module will be look at ways to provide direct instruction and provide modeling on how to promote effective discourse and argumentation.
Topics Addressed:
Knowledge:
Skills:
Mindset:
Argumentation and discourse are especially important in science education because they play such a key role in authentic scientific communities. Often science collaboration takes the form of disagreement and argument about evidence. Scientists constantly challenge and validate each other's ideas in order to advance knowledge. In this module will be look at ways to provide direct instruction and provide modeling on how to promote effective discourse and argumentation.
Topics Addressed:
- What is student discourse and argumentation?
- What role does discourse and argumentation play in science and science classrooms?
- What are effective ways to “coach” and support effective discourse in your classroom?
- How to create a safe and supportive classroom to allow discourse and argumentation to happen
- How CRT, Culturally Responsive Teaching, plays a role in discourse and argumentation?
Knowledge:
- Teachers are knowledgeable that student discourse and argumentation play a key role in the science community.
- Teachers understand that many skills, like effective discourse and argumentation, need to be taught and are not necessarily innate in kids.
- In order for effective discourse and argumentation to happen the teacher needs to create a safe and respectful environment for kids
Skills:
- Create strong lesson plans that include direct instruction for student discourse and argumentation
- Create lesson and units that include opportunities to practice skills in discourse and argumentation
Mindset:
- Many skills students need require instructions. The ability to talk about science in a meaningful way is a skill that needs to be developed in students.
- Students need opportunities to practice discussion and argumentation.
- Teachers need to create a classroom culture that is safe and supportive in order for real discourse to happen.