Teaching Strategies

This blog highlights a teacher’s journey in fostering student collaboration and scientific identity using Complex Instruction (CI) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). It emphasizes actionable norms, inclusive curriculum, and elevating student status to create a classroom where every student believes they are a scientist, enhancing access and engagement for all learners.

As the world faced COVID-19 and racial injustice, a science teacher sought ways to address racism in the classroom. Inspired by the connection between redlining and urban heat islands, they developed a physics unit on thermal energy tied to social justice. This led to creating resources and a course to empower teachers to integrate real-world issues into STEM education.

Status imbalances in student groups can affect participation and learning, with higher-status students often dominating discussions. By recognizing and addressing these imbalances, teachers can create a more inclusive classroom, encouraging all students to engage, share their reasoning, and take academic risks.

Raised in a Caribbean household, I perceived “What are you doing?” as judgment. This carried over to teaching, where I overemphasized correctness. Now, in professional development, I focus on fostering a broader view of “doing” in math and science, encouraging exploration and curiosity in students.

Rosiane Lesperance’s Edutopia article, published on January 5, 2024, explores connecting science education to social issues in high school.