Student Thinking and Learning in Science : Perspectives on the Nature and Development of Learners' Ideas

This readable and informative primer on a major topic in science education offers science education students and classroom teachers a survey of key ideas about students' ideas and thinking in science. Focused on the secondary age range, and drawing on perspectives found in the international research literature, it is well illustrated with examples of thinking about widely taught science topics elicited from students. Student Thinking and Learning in Sciencebuilds a bridge between theory and practice by offering clear accounts of key ideas from research, and showing how they relate to actual examples of students talking about science topics. Understanding of student thinking in science can inform science teaching which is more satisfying for teachers, less confusing and frustrating for learners, and so ultimately can lead to both greater scientific literacy and more positive attitudes to science.