School of Education Research Seminar Launch - Prof. Vanessa Kind presenting

The launch of the monthly School of Education Research Seminar Series kicks off with a presentation by Professor Vanessa Kind.

Launch of the School of Education Research Seminar Series

Thursday 10^th November at 4pm – 6pm in the Coach House

Presented by Professor Vanessa Kind

Teachers' collaborative orientations for laboratory work in science: Implications for students learning outcomes pre- and post-change in assessment methods

Abstract:  Practical work is regarded as a significant component of secondary students’ science education, recognised within the school curriculum and examination specifications for General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and Advanced Level (A level), taken at the ages of 16 and 18 respectively. The mode of assessment of students’ practical work skills and knowledge has changed multiple times, most recently between 2015 – 2017. This study presents two sets of focus group data collected two years apart in 18 schools, representative of the range of secondary schools in England. These data show significant differences in how teachers teach practical work, despite commonalities in curriculum and resourcing. These differences emerge due to contrasting orientations and beliefs about science teaching and learning, established and held collaboratively. The two data sets indicate how teachers addressed and implemented assessment changes. The potential impact on students’ experiences of practical work in science is discussed. The work arose from a national survey of practical work in science funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Wellcome Trust, carried out at Durham University.