The Classroom InSiTE project

Bronwen Cowie, and Alister Jones, Centre for Science and Technology Education Research, The University of Waikato

Project Aim

The goal of this three-year collaborative research project is to develop a more robust understanding of the interactions between teachers, students, the important ideas and attitudes of science and technology, and the tools and knowledges that teachers use to support student learning. This longitudinal study will be carried out in 6 schools with groups of teachers and their students (Years 1-8).

Project Plan

This is a three-year study. In 2005 the emphasis will be on understanding current practice through classroom observations and interviews with teachers and students. Late in 2005 and particularly in 2006 and 2007 the emphasis will be on enhancing classroom interactions and learning. Teachers and researchers will jointly contribute to the construction of the analysis of student learning trajectories and interactions that support these. Reports and research papers will be produced throughout the time of the project.

Partnerships involved

Partnerships involve the Centre for Science and Technology Education Research and the teachers from six Waikato based schools. These schools range from urban to rural and decile 1-10.

Expected Outcomes

A greater understanding of:

• Subject ideas that teachers perceive as important for student learning in science and technology
• Pertinent teacher pedagogical content knowledge and its impacts on teacher-student interactions
• Student and teacher perspectives of interactions that support learning
• Typical trajectories in student learning including conceptual, procedural and attitudinal outcomes
• Student perceptions of the nature of science and technology and what it means to learn and know science and technology.

Selected Publications

Download the summary of the project report [pdf, 69 KB]
Download the full text of the project report [pdf, 1.44MB]

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