A practical approach to assessment for learning and differentiated instruction

Assessment for learning (AfL) and differentiated instruction (DI) both imply a focus on learning processes and affect student learning positively. However, both AfL and DI prove to be difficult to implement for teachers. Two chemistry and two physics teachers were studied when designing and implementing the formative assessment of conceptual understanding (AfL), as well as whole task-first differentiating instruction (WTDI). The teachers were offered design and enactment heuristics that showed them how they could redesign and enact their lessons to implement AfL and WTDI. The heuristic support was based on theories on decision-making in complex practices. Our assumption was that this support would be considered practical by the teachers and contribute to the implementation of the new practices. Teachers redesigned, enacted and evaluated the lessons using the heuristics. They were interviewed pre- and post, additionally, their lessons were videotaped and lesson designs were collected and analysed. Data-analysis shows that all teachers changed their practices permanently and implemented AfL and WTDI. Although, they considered some aspects as unpractical, the study reveals that the heuristic support was overall practical for the teachers involved and therefore contributes to insight in how to improve implementation of change proposals

Contexten: "Waarom moet ik dit leren?"

Overzichtsartikel over de diverse contexten in modules nieuwe scheikund

Contexten in beoordelen

De toetsen en zeker het centraal schriftelijk examen zullen invloed hebben op de naruk die docenten leggen op de vakinhoud van de modules van Nieuwe Scheikunde. De beoordeling stuurt de dagelijkse onderwijsactiviteiten. Welke rol vervult de contxt bij het toetsen

Activating Students’ Interest and Participation in Lectures and Practical Courses Using Their Electronic Devices

Interactive teaching with larger groups of students can be a challenge, but the use of mobile electronic devices by students (smartphones, tablets, laptops) can be used to improve classroom interaction. We have examined several types of tasks that can be electronically enacted in classes and practical courses using these devices: multiple choice (MC) questions; open-ended questions; and 3D visualization of (bio)­molecules and complexes. We have introduced these tasks dynamically in several educational contexts in our teaching programs. Specifically, attention is paid to applying devices in introductory quizzes at the start of a course, throughout lectures, and in practical courses. Each application has been found by us to offer significant merits in terms of connecting theory and practice, full formative assessment (including an improvement in interactions of introverted students), monitoring progress, engaging students early on in research, stimulating “3D” molecular feeling, and maintaining student attention. From the student perspective, evaluations revealed overall positive feedback on several key aspects of our approaches. In all, we believe that this mutually beneficial way of teaching can be of broader application, also in nonchemistry-related curricula

Pre-university Chemistry Students in a Mimicked Scholarly Peer Review

Peer review is a significant component in scientific research. Introducing peer review into inquiry processes may be regarded as an aim to develop student understanding regarding quality in inquiries. This study examines student understanding in inquiry peer reviews among pre-university chemistry students, aged 16-17, when they enact a design of a mimicked scholarly peer review. This design is based on a model of a human activity system. Twenty-five different schools in Brazil, Germany, Poland and The Netherlands participated. The students (n = 880) conducted in small groups (n = 428) open inquiries on fermentation. All groups prepared an inquiry report for peer review. These reports were published on a website. Groups were randomly paired in an internet symposium, where they posted review comments to their peers. These responses were qualitatively analyzed on small groups' level of understanding regarding seven categories: inquiry question, hypothesis, management of control variables, accurate measurement, presenting results, reliability of results, discussion and conclusion. The mimicked scholarly review prompted a collective practice. Student understanding was significantly well on presenting results, discussion and conclusion, and significantly less on inquiry question and reliability of results. An enacted design, based on a model of a human activity system, created student understanding of quality in inquiries as well as an insight in a peer-reviewing practice. To what extent this model can be applied in a broader context of design research in science education needs further study

Comprehending the impact of low vision on the lives of children and adolescents: a qualitative approach

PURPOSE: To develop a comprehensive, conceptual model detailing the aspects of a child’s life (<18 years) that are affected by low vision. METHODS: Three stakeholders were involved in the developmental process of the conceptual model: children and adolescents with a visual impairment (n = 40), parents of children with a visual impairment (n = 25) and professionals of multidisciplinary rehabilitation centres and specialised schools (n = 25). Qualitative methods including focus groups, online and face-to-face brainstorming sessions and concept mapping were used to investigate the impact of visual impairment on the lives of children and adolescents and to create the conceptual model. To aid interpretation of the large age range, four age-bands were formed. RESULTS: For each age-band (0–2, 3–6, 7–12 and 13–17 years), a total of 153, 200, 297 and 306 statements were generated by all stakeholders, respectively. The conceptual models show that low vision affects the sensorial development as well as the physical, psychological and social well-being of children and adolescents. In addition, identified external factors (i.e. education/employment and parental influence) can either facilitate or hinder participation. CONCLUSIONS: The developed model shows which life aspects of children are affected by low vision. The needs identified by children and adolescents correspond not entirely to the perspective of parents and low vision professionals. Future research should focus on developing and validating a new questionnaire based on the conceptual model. This will aid goal setting, rehabilitation referral and the accomplishment of developmental milestones and life transitions of children and adolescents with a visual impairment, ultimately improving their participation and quality of life. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11136-016-1292-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users