ERIC Number: EJ1152920
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Oct
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0157-244X
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Available Date: N/A
Using Technology to Facilitate Differentiated High School Science Instruction
Maeng, Jennifer L.
Research in Science Education, v47 n5 p1075-1099 Oct 2017
This qualitative investigation explored the beliefs and practices of one secondary science teacher, Diane, who differentiated instruction and studied how technology facilitated her differentiation. Diane was selected based on the results of a previous study, in which data indicated that Diane understood how to design and implement proactively planned, flexible, engaging instructional activities in response to students' learning needs better than the other study participants. Data for the present study included 3 h of semi-structured interview responses, 37.5 h of observations of science instruction, and other artifacts such as instructional materials. This variety of data allowed for triangulation of the evidence. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Results indicated that technology played an integral role in Diane's planning and implementation of differentiated science lessons. The technology-enhanced differentiated lessons employed by Diane typically attended to students' different learning profiles or interest through modification of process or product. This study provides practical strategies for science teachers beginning to differentiate instruction, and recommendations for science teacher educators and school and district administrators. Future research should explore student outcomes, supports for effective formative assessment, and technology-enhanced readiness differentiation among secondary science teachers.
Descriptors: Technology Uses in Education, Individualized Instruction, Science Instruction, Secondary School Science, High School Students, Case Studies, Qualitative Research, Semi Structured Interviews, Observation, Instructional Materials, Grounded Theory, Lesson Plans, Cognitive Style, Educational Strategies, Technology Integration
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
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Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A