Science Teaching and Learning

Catalog description

Exploration of the theoretical and empirical foundations of the teaching and learning of science. SCIED 552 Science Teaching and Learning (3) This course is an exploration of the foundational empirical and theoretical research in the teaching and learning of science. The first part of the course includes a core of learning theory based in the literature of education and science education. In addition to this theoretical work students will read empirical studies based on different theoretical foundations allowing for the critical examination of the relationship between theory and empirical based on theory. The readings and discussions in this course will be centered on the questions of "Is there a science of education that allows us to make instructional decisions in science teaching based on research?" and "What is the theoretical basis of standards-based science education reforms such as inquiry-based science?" The goal of this course is to help students develop a core foundational knowledge in the science education literature as well as an articulated theoretical framework for teaching and learning they can use to develop their own research projects.