REFLECTING
& PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE - How can I improve my inquiry process? So
What?
The information obtained from the reflection
opportunities provided should inform future planning by both the
student and teacher.
This
final step underpins the values from the Curriculum Framework:
-
Environmental
responsibility
-
Social
and civic responsibility
-
Respect
and concern for others and their rights
-
Self
acceptance and respect of self
-
A
pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to achievement of potential
Values
play an important part in decision making and in the way that society
thinks and acts. Authentic
research tasks connects students to the real world. For students,
research is important and should matter to them.
Jamie
McKenzie (2000,p.118) states that;
“the
ultimate test of our success is whether the students themselves can
answer the question,
”So
What?”’
In other
words have the students gained valuable insight, discoveries and
experience to equip them with life skills in order to become responsible
adults?
This
step may also includes Persuasive writing (Expositions) where students
use their research to convince the audience to support their
recommendations.
Empowering
students to be questioning, reflective and critical thinkers is an
integral part of Science education. The Curriculum Framework (1998,
p219) states that;
“Science
education assists students to be active citizens by providing the
understandings they need to be informed contributors to debates about
sensitive, moral, ethical and environmental issues.”
Not all
research may require social action. It is important that teachers
capitalise on situations, current issues and student interest which may
engender social action.
Ideas
for reflecting and planning for the future.
-
PMI
-
Before
& After Charts
-
Six
Thinking Hats
-
Conferencing
with peer/teacher
-
Venn
diagram
-
"So
what" do I do with my research information? - classroom,
school and/or community
-
Brochures
to inform, promote, persuade
-
Role
play - dramatise events
-
Puppet
play
-
Radio
broadcast
-
Newspaper
report
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