Recent science reform documents have called for incorporating authentic scientific discourse into science classes as engaging in discourse has shown to result in numerous benefits. Whether these benefits are observed in students depends upon the quality of the discourse in which they engage. However, characterizing the quality of student-student…

Originally published as a special issue of the "Middle School Journal," this book presents integrative curriculum as a foundational element of the middle school. By addressing the current gap in literature on curriculum integration in the middle grades, this text explores how learning can be organized around authentic concepts or…

This volume in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Learners series was designed to deepen teacher's knowledge and provides instructional approaches and practices for supporting grades 6-12 ELLs as they meet the ambitious expectations of the CCSS for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects. This…

"Approaches and Strategies in Next Generation Science Learning" examines the challenges involved in the development of modern curriculum models, teaching strategies, and assessments in science education in order to prepare future students in the 21st century economies. This comprehensive collection of research brings together science educators,…

Ideational pluralism refers to "disagreements which occur between teacher and students as to which facts and positions are acceptable when dealing with issues in science classrooms." Discusses why ideational pluralism exists; related theory (logical and philosophical aspects); rationale for addressing the topic; positive and negative…

This paper provides a framework for examining the role of argumentation and thinking and is consistent with the research on pedagogical and theoretical misconceptions. The focus is on presenting a framework to discuss and illustrate how argumentation is related to social thinking (dialogic reasoning) and conceptual change, and provide common…

This study determined the effect of written persuasive communication on changing the attitudes of Egyptian preservice biology teachers toward teaching the topic of organic evolution. Attitude change was measured by administering an instrument (the Attitude Toward Teaching Evolution Scale) developed for the study. This 22-item, Likert-type scale…

Determined if a written, persuasive communication would positively affect the attitudes of preservice teachers (N=98) and if the communication would differently affect subjects rated on three levels of self-esteem. Results indicate written persuasive communication could change the attitudes of the preservice elementary teachers in this study. (JN)