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Resource Detail: Journal Article

Resource Image Science Sampler: Correcting student misconceptions

By: S. Wali Abdi
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Details

Type of Resource: Journal Article
Average Rating: Rating
 based on 2 - 10 / 5 reviews
Publication Title: Science Scope
Publication Date: 1/1/2006
Volume and Issue: Vol 029 Issue 04
Pages: 1
Grade Level: Middle School

Description

Before learning any formal science, children try to make sense of natural phenomena on their own. However, several studies have shown that it can be difficult to convince a student to give up a long-held misconception in favor of an accurate scientific explanation. Misconceptions can be confronted through hands-on and minds-on activities. The strategies outlined in this article will foster a climate of inquiry within the classroom.

Ideas For Use

These strategies will help a science teacher make connections between students' correct prior knowledge and new science concepts being introduced, which will pave the way for meaningful learning to take place.

Discussions

Setting Off a Firestorm of Controversy
Posted in Physical Science by Carolyn Mohr on Tue May 03, 2011 3:23 PM

Hi Therese and thread participants, Therese said, "Although the program is engaging, I think that we can all agree that...

Additional Info

Science Discipline: (mouse over for full classification)
Scientific habits of mind
Intended User Role:Curriculum Supervisor, Middle-Level Educator, Teacher
Educational Issues:Achievement, Assessment of students, Inquiry learning, Teacher preparation, Teaching strategies

Technical

Resource Format:application/pdf
Size:162 KB
Requirements:Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader


National Standards Correlation

This resource has 10 correlations with the National Standards.  
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This resource has 10 correlations with the National Standards.  
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  • Science as Inquiry
    • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
      • Think critically and logically to make the relationships between evidence and explanations.
  • Content Standards
    • Quality Teaching
      • Deepens educators’ content knowledge, provides them with research-based instructional strategies to assist students in meeting rigorous academic standards, and prepares them to use various types of classroom assessments appropriately. (NSDC)
  • Teaching Standards
    • Teachers of science plan an inquiry-based science program for their students.
      • Select science content and adapt and design curricula to meet the interests, knowledge, understanding, abilities, and experiences of students.
      • Select teaching and assessment strategies that support the development of student understanding and nurture a community of science learners.
    • Teachers of science guide and facilitate learning. In doing this, teachers
      • Encourage and model the skills of scientific inquiry, as well as the curiosity, openness to new ideas and data, and skepticism that characterize science.
      • Focus and support inquiries while interacting with students.
      • Orchestrate discourse among students about scientific ideas.
      • Recognize and respond to student diversity and encourage all students to participate fully in science learning.
    • Teachers of science engage in ongoing assessment of their teaching and of student learning.
      • Analyze assessment data to guide teaching.
      • Use multiple methods and systematically gather data about student understanding and ability.

User Reviews

I Thought I Saw A Moon Today!
  Carolyn Mohr (Buffalo Grove, IL) on May 3, 2011
  This article is a quick, one-page read that hones in on the research that shows students have difficulty letting go of long-held misconceptions. The author explains that these misconceptions become a student’s prior knowledge and interfere with his/her ability to process new science concepts. Two common misconceptions that are mentioned are that the moon cannot be seen in the daytime and that plants get food from fertilizer, water, soil, or the Sun. The article provides a few strategies to help teachers facilitate correct conceptual learning.

Understanding Misconceptions
  Betty Paulsell (Kansas City, MO) on June 3, 2012
  This article can be summed up in its final sentence...."In essence, when children have an opportunity to engage in active learning, accept the fallacy of their own misconceptions, and explain the newly acquired information conceptually, it is only then that meaningful learning can take place." This quick article is a great way to get a quick idea of what a misconception is and how to handle it in the classroom.