How to Teach Science More Effectively

Course summary

This course will help teachers better understand and apply evidence-based tools for effective science teaching. 

The recommendations outlined below, summarized from the Evidence for Learning Guidance Report, highlight key areas actionable by staff responsible for leading improvements in science teaching in their school, including at a leadership and classroom level.

You will learn:

Strategies for challenging and developing students’ thinking in relation to science learning, including:

• identifying and challenging misconceptions and preconceptions, encouraging and developing metacognition to help students direct their own learning, and supporting students to retain and retrieve previous knowledge
• using practical work and models to engage students in science learning and enable their understanding of scientific concepts  
• actively developing students’ scientific vocabulary and using structured feedback to positively affect student learning outcomes.

Course time:

This course will take you 2 hours to complete. Enjoy it in one session or spread it out over a few weeks. You will have ongoing access via your personal dashboard so long as you maintain a Cool+ subscription.

Accreditation:

This course is mapped to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. It is accredited for professional development hours at the following levels:

Proficient Teacher – all states and territories except NSW and ACT:

• 4.4 Ensure students’ well-being and safety within school by implementing school and/ or system, curriculum and legislative requirements.

This course is not currently accredited in the ACT (TQI) or NSW (NESA). However, it can be counted towards teacher identified learning hours (ACT) or NESA PD elective hours (NSW).

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Course Content

Introduction

01.

Introduction

02.

Set some learning goals

Introduction to the Science Curriculum

03.

Overview of the science curriculum

04.

Why is it important for students to engage effectively with the science curriculum?

How to Teach The General Capability: Science

05.

Recommendation 1. Preconceptions: build on the ideas that students bring to lessons

06.

Recommendation 2. Self-regulation: help students direct their own learning

07.

Recommendation 3. Modelling: use models to support understanding

08.

Recommendation 4. Memory: support students to retain and retrieve knowledge

09.

Recommendation 5. Practical work: use practical work purposefully and as part of a learning sequence

10.

Recommendation 6. Language of science: develop scientific vocabulary and support students to read and write about science

11.

Recommendation 7. Feedback: use structured feedback to move on students' thinking

In the Classroom

12.

Cool lesson plans

Reflection

13.

Reflection

14.

Taxonomy of learning

15.

Suggestions for collaboration

16.

Congratulations

Course instructor

Jarryd Bendall comes from a long line of teachers, which is why he initially avoided this calling. Jarryd taught in primary school settings for a number of years, before combining his love for writing and education at an Education Specialist role with Cool.org. This role sees him as a bridge between knowledgeable industry experts and classroom teachers, bringing excellence into the classroom and challenging the average curriculum with innovative and effective ideas.

Jarryd will be on hand to answer any questions and help you navigate this course.

Frequently Asked Questions