1.7 Scientific investigation with primary students
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Description
This is a continuing activity focusing on developing understandings and skills of scientific investigation for primary teachers of science. The activity will engage teachers in examining their current practices of using scientific investigation with primary students. Teachers will have opportunities to engage in reflective practice and be supported through networks of professional learning teams to effectively implement scientific investigation within the context of the classroom.
The activity will be managed by a designated officer who will take responsibility for meeting the professional needs of teachers participating in the activity.
Science educators from external organisations such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and higher education institutions such as the Australian Catholic University will be involved in assisting schools to design school-based projects and to support teachers in working with science investigation within the context of the classroom.
Contacts
| Catherine Branley email: catherine.branley@ceosyd.catholic.edu.au Ph 02 9568 8436 Fax 02 9568 8497 Sector: CEC |
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Outcomes
Through participation in an AGQTP project, teachers will have strengthened the currency and depth of their pedagogical knowledge and skills.
Through participation in an AGQTP project, teachers will have strengthened the currency and depth of their learning area knowledge and understandings.
Through participation in an AGQTP project, teachers will have engaged productively in collegial networks that extend and support knowledge and skills.
Access
Targeted Catholic Education Commission schools/teachers.
Design
The professional learning strategy for this activity includes:
- school-based projects to engage teachers in workplace learning that is based on a cycle of continuous improvement model
- clusters of schools working in collegial networks
- workplace mentoring and coaching aligned to meeting the NSW Institute of Teachers Professional Teaching Standards
- flexible learning that includes components such as self-paced and facilitated online learning, face-to-face workshops, video and teleconferences, online mentors, and discussion groups
- local, regional and state workshops and conferences that enable participants to have their work publicly celebrated and critiqued
- partnerships with professional associations and higher education institutions to provide expertise in the development, design and/or implementation of professional development activities
- this activity builds on previous Australian Government Quality Teacher Programme activities where scientific investigation has been the focus. It is the intention to expand on this in 2008
- the activity is closely aligned to Towards 2010, Sydney Catholic schools Strategic Leadership and Management Plan 2006-2010 and its focus on improvement in the teaching of science
- the focus on scientific investigation will be supported by the Catholic Education Office, Sydneys Learning Framework and its focus on effective pedagogy.
Implementation
The implementation of the activity will be supported by the following personnel: designated project officer, academics partner, sector consultant, school based professional learning team, external provider.
Delivery
Workplace learning, online learning, mentoring, workshops/course, resource development, action learning project
Timeline
By June 2008:
- advisory groups formulated
- participants (schools and school clusters) identified
- initial professional development on scientific investigation conducted
- support provided for schools in project design and management for professional learning
- school-based plans designed in consultation with academic and targeted mentors
- Australian Government Quality Teacher Programme portal developed on the Catholic Education Office public web site to share and showcase school-based projects
- progress report submitted in June.
By December 2008:
- networks to support learning and practice in scientific investigation established
- use of project review and evaluation techniques to inform effectiveness, relevance and leading to project redesign when required
- participation in learning forums
- annual report submitted in November.
Sectors
