Use reflections to scaffold student learning

The importance of scaffolding when teaching scientific inquiry cannot be underestimated; providing students with assistance so that they can make connections that would otherwise be unlikely... See More

The importance of scaffolding when teaching scientific inquiry cannot be underestimated; providing students with assistance so that they can make connections that would otherwise be unlikely is a key component of teaching science. This article explains how the use of reflections supports open inquiry in the classroom and helps students understand that the nature of science means supporting claims with evidence. The technique described allows students to defend their ideas to others and gives the teacher insight into student thinking. This technique will help you to move your instruction away from verification labs and towards true inquiry. I would like to have seen some information related to managing the volume of the reflections and how to assess them.

Great Thinking Exercises for your Students

This article presents a method teaching that uses methods of scaffolding content and inquiry learning to help students understanding scientific concepts and the nature of science. Even if y... See More

This article presents a method teaching that uses methods of scaffolding content and inquiry learning to help students understanding scientific concepts and the nature of science. Even if you did not adopt the method in its entireity, you can still find some valuable teaching methods to implement in your classroom.