Communicating In School Science - Groups, Tasks And Problem Solving 5-16 (Paperback)

The authors' intention is to examine communication in classroom processes as it relates to both individual learning and group work, and to consider this against the requirements of the National Curriculum in science. The framework for science requires teachers to examine traditional teaching techniques within classrooms and laboratories. They need to explore new strategies through projects, investigations, group work, games, simulations, videos, educational drama and role play - and ubiquitous coursework. This in turn raises a series of important questions about the nature of inidvidual learning, participation in group work, and the act of communication. For example, can classroom tasks be chosen which allow pupils to demonstrate their understanding?; is it possible to encourage pupils to feel that they own the tasks they undertake sufficiently to want to communicate the results to others?; within group work, can all the participants be encouraged to own a single task?; and can individual contributions be gauged from the outcomes of the group?