Minds on Science Gazette

Volume 7
Problems and Extensions

Models of Teaching
 

1. Present a discrepant event related to specific concepts drawn from Earth science, life science, physical science, or environmental science. Your presentation should be brief, and should be designed to engage the class in inquiry.

2. Present a five-to-ten-minute lesson based on one of the following models of teaching. Write a one page report on the strengths and weaknesses of the lesson, and how you would change the lesson if you were to teach it again.

  • Direct/interactive instruction
  • Inductive inquiry
  • Deductive inquiry
  • Discovery learning
  • Problem Solving
  • The Learning cycle
  • Cooperative/collaborative learning

3. Create a chart in which you analyze at least five models of teaching. Your chart should provide insight into the purpose of the model, the essential characteristics of the model, and under what conditions the model should be used.

4. One criticism of inquiry and discovery methods of science teaching is that this approach takes too much time, and students can learn concepts and skills if presented more directly. Debate this criticism by first taking the side of inquiry, and then the side of the criticism. In which were you more convincing? Is there a solution to this problem?

5. Observe a video of a science teacher teaching a lesson. Make anecdotal comments on the chart below indicating examples of the various models of teaching observed during the lesson. What generalizations can you make about this teacher's approach to teaching? View a video of another teacher and compare the two teachers approaches to teaching.

 Model of Science Teaching
Anecdotal Comments

Examples of how the model was implemented; examples of teacher and student behavior

 

Direct/Interactive Teaching

 

 

Inductive Inquiry

 

 

Deductive Inquiry

 

 

Discovery Learning

 

 

Problem Solving

 

 

Learning Cycle

 

 

Cooperative/Collaborative Learning

 

 

Synectics

 

 

Person-centered Learning

 

 

Integrative Learning

 

 

Imagineering

 

6. Is there a relationship between metaphors of teaching and the models of teaching presented in this chapter. Three metaphors for the nature of teaching are:

  • Entertainer: teaching is like acting; your on a stage and you perform.
  • Captain of the Ship: teaching is like directing and being in charge.
  • Resource: teaching is making your self available; assisting; facilitating

Either observe two teachers in their classrooms, or observe video tapes of two teachers. Analyze their teaching in terms of these metaphors. What relationship exists between the perceived metaphor and models of science teaching?