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  Northeastern State University's Student Chapter of the National Science Teacher's Association |
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December 2004 Newsletter
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Dates to Remember Dec 8 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pre II Assignment Check-in Tahlequah 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM Pre II Assignment Check-in B.A. Dec 9 Pre II Seminar #4 B.A. Dec 10 Pre II Seminar #4 Tahlequah Dec 11 Pre II Seminar #4 B.A. Dec 13 Finals week Dec 14 Full Intern Seminar #6 Tahlequah Dec 17 Semester ends
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Journal Summary:
The December issue of
the Science Teacher is devoted to the area of Professional Development.
One article covers tips for implementing inquiry-based chemistry labs.
There are two articles I personally found to be of interest. The first
article was on addressing common learning issues encountered by
students. What this means is that students often have difficultities
with one or more areas of the subject, such as: transcriptions and
translation, glycoysis and fermentation, vector analysis of forces, or
balancing chemical equations. New textbooks come out every few years
with more lucid descriptions and improved graphics but still students
have a hard time understanding. This article, written by J. Jose Boner,
Christine Lotter, and William Hardwood, presents some thoughts about
how we as teachers can assist our students improve their understanding.
One of the first things
suggested is the use of inquiry in the classroom. As science teachers,
we should understand that inquiry is the very nature of science. Yet so
many times, a teacher relies on memorization of facts. Sometimes a
teacher may feel the need to emphasize content over inquiry so the
students will be prepared for the “high stakes” testing that is to
come. The authors point out that this has the effect of removing much
of what makes science interesting to students and to teachers.
To remove the learning
bottleneck that students often encounter, it is suggested that a
teacher follow a seven step plan:
1.
Step 1: Define the
bottleneck. As clearly as you can, define how and when students’
understanding went astray.
2.
Step 2: Define the basic
learning tasks involved. Try to approach the problem as a student
would, using the same knowledge they would use and not the knowledge
you have.
3.
Step 3: Model these
tasks explicitly. Show students what you are doing to solve the
problem. Even talk out loud so the students can hear your thought
process.
4.
Step 4: Motivate the
students. Help the students see how the information is meaningful to
them and not just something for school.
5.
Step 5: Create occasions
for the students to practice and receive feedback.
6.
Step 6: Assess student
learning. Find out often and immediately what is working and what isn’t.
7.
Step 7: Share what you
have learned about student learning. Share how you solved the problem
with your colleagues. Chances are very good that their students are
facing the same bottleneck.
The other article I found to
be interesting is one on Astrobiology and how conditions found on Earth
can provide some clues as to the possibility of life else where in the
galaxy. As time and space do not permit a detailed review of this
article, I will leave it for you to get a copy and read it yourself. As
a member of NSTA, articles found in the journals can be viewed online.
December Meeting:
For the December meeting,
members stuffed stress-relief bags that were to be handed out in
preparation of finals. This time of the semester always seems to have
people (teachers as well as students) on edge. Every person I gave one
to made a similar comment when I explained what it is, “I really need
this!” Some students opened their bags right away and started in on the
goodies inside. There was not one student to turn down the offered bag.
Another topic of discussion
is the upcoming NSTA National Convention, to be held in Dallas this
year (March 31 to April 3). Dr Adams will be driving a van provided by
NSU so the cost of traveling will be reduced for those that ride with
her. Others, like myself, will be traveling alone. The cost of the
convention is discounted for student members. For a student to attend
two or more days, the registration fee is $55.00. It is reduced to
$25.00 if you are going to attend only one day. The organization has
made deals with some of the hotels in the area to provide rooms at a
reduced rate as well. For some hotels, the cost of the room includes a
continental breakfast. It is my understanding that a shuttle bus from
the various hotels will also be provided. Room rates vary from $79.00 a
night up to $195.00 a night. If you can find someone to share a room
with, the rates are very reasonable. I would suggest that if you are
thinking about attending, you should get your reservations made soon to
ensure you get the hotel you want.
Since I am planning on
attending, I spent time looking over the list of workshops that will be
offered. This list can be found at the NSTA website under the heading
of “Conventions”. There is a provision for a person to list all the
workshops and other activities of interest and then print out that list
with the time and location of each. There is also a list that gives a
brief summary of each workshop. As a soon to be new teacher, I found
the list to be a bit overwhelming. There are so many workshops that
sound like they are of interest to me. It was a real struggle, but I
finally got the list down to three pages, covering just two days. But
this does not include any field trips, short courses, or social events.
As an added incentive to
attend, the organization can certify your attendance so you gain
professional development credit. For those of us in our full internship
in the Spring, all you have to do is provide documentation of your
attendance and it will count as one of your required eighty days.
I hope to see some of you
there.
Parting thoughts:
The road may be hard at
times and spots may seem impossible. But just hang in thee. For those
of us that are entering our final semester, there is light at the end
of the tunnel and it is not a freight train. For those that are
following us, remember, if we can do it, you can too. Even though there
are constant changes and refinements to the program, each year’s
graduating class serves as the pathfinder for the classes that are to
follow. It is our job to follow those that have gone on before us and
to lead those that are to come. Have
a safe and happy holiday. |
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of interest: |