Meeting 2
Meeting 2
Developing academic language in science
- What does academic language look like in science?
- How can we measure and develop academic vocabulary?
This element introduced the Academic Word List and a framework for classifying subject language.
- PowerPoint developing_academic_language
- AWL headwords
- Handout Developing your vocabulary size and comprehension of language
EAL Planning tools
Key question:
- How useful are the models commonly used by the EAL community in supporting planning for the use of thinking skills in science?
This section explored how we can support advanced learners in accessing challenge in using thinking skills without negating the challenge in the learning. Using the examples of Odd One Out and What am I? from meeting 1, We explored how conventional planning tools for EAL have significant limitations in helping colleagues to scaffold learning in creative settings.
Resources:
- PowerPoint - Tools and Frameworks. This is the full version including the two additional What am I? activities.
- Acid rain example to be used with the Knowledge Framework (Mohan).
Practical Science with DNA as a context
Key question:
- How can we support and scaffold learning for advanced learners without removing the challenge from the task?
This session involved a practical activity on DNA.
Resources:
- Three documents relating to the DNA practical:
- Introduction and notes for primary settings
- Recipe using words and pictures (secondary)
- Model outline
- A booklet of DNA activities for Years 5 - 9 produced by Bangor LA
Questioning
More ideas from the Bright Ideas time - big questions
Key questions:
- how can we use questioning to provide classroom challenge?
Helen Wilson provided an overview of how we can develop classroom questioning using ideas from the Bright Ideas Time.
Resources:
- The Big Question PowerPoint - this is the full version, not the abridged handout issued on the day
- More ideas for big questions
Socratic discussion
We briefly introduced the classroom talk strategy Socratic circles. These involve an inner circle of students in a small group dicussion and a larger outer circle who act as observers. The aim is to develop exploratory talk and thinking and to develop the noticing skills of learners to identify what good questioning looks like and how they can develop their own skills.
Resources:
- Socratic discussion guide - how you can use Socratic dialogue in science lessons
- miscellaneous questioning ideas
higher order questioning mat - a useful prompt for student generated questions when printed on A3