ERIC Number: EJ1196390
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Nov
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-6803
EISSN: N/A
Talking the Talk: Exploring Teacher Learning and Their Use of Discourse Strategies
Edmondson, Elizabeth; Choudhry, Fahima
School Science and Mathematics, v118 n7 p273-289 Nov 2018
This study investigates whether elementary science teachers participating in a four-week professional development workshop develop new understandings about classroom discourse and whether they are able to implement strategies toward teaching science as student-to-student discourse. Perspectives and the extent of teacher use of discourse strategies were examined. Hundred and twenty teachers in grades 4 through 6 from 29 schools participated in the professional development at four public, research-intensive universities situated in a Mid-Atlantic state. Teacher reflections indicate an understanding of the strategies and a belief that they were important. Analysis of program transcripts exposed that elementary teachers were implementing the strategies learned during the professional development. However, they continued to control the conversation and continued to use more traditional talk moves. They tried to use questions to probe student thinking and to have students build on one another. The teachers wrestled with how to ask open-ended questions and guide the discussion to elicit deeper understanding. The professional development model proved effective for raising awareness and reflection, but the model did not result in a significant change in teacher practice. Analysis of classroom practice after this institute may show change toward a more student-centered discourse.
Descriptors: Elementary School Teachers, Science Teachers, Workshops, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Teaching Methods, Professional Development, Elementary School Science, Models
Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Grade 5; Middle Schools; Grade 6
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Innovation and Improvement (ED), Investing in Innovation (i3)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A