ERIC Number: EJ770667
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2003-Nov
Pages: 19
Abstractor: Author
Reference Count: 38
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0950-0693
Fostering Thinking through Science in the Early Years of Schooling
Venville, Grady; Adey, Philip; Larkin, Shirley; Robertson, Anne; Fulham, Hammersmith
International Journal of Science Education, v25 n11 p1313-1331 Nov 2003
The purpose of this research was to investigate and describe concrete examples of Year 1 students engaged in "good thinking" and to generate assertions about the ways teachers can foster habits of "good thinking" through science. The research design was a multiple case study of 32 lessons, of which four are analysed in detail in this paper. The results suggest that young children engaged in good thinking are likely to explain and demonstrate their ideas and actions and to make suggestions for solving problems. Children engaged in "good thinking" also are likely to highlight discrepancies, adopt new ideas, and work collaboratively. The results indicate that teachers can foster habits of "good thinking" through science; first, by accepting difficulty as an integral part of the learning process, second, by encouraging children to explain and talk about their ideas and, finally, by creating an environment where thinking is a valued classroom process. (Contains 2 tables and 2 notes.)
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Educational Environment, Learning Processes, Science Instruction, Thinking Skills, Skill Development, Case Studies, Problem Solving, Elementary School Students
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/default.html
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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