Science Education and Student Diversity: Synthesis and Research Agenda

by Okhee Lee , Aurolyn Luykx

• ISBN13: 9780521859615
• ISBN10: 0521859611
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-06-26
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

The achievement gaps in science and the under-representation of minorities in science-related fields have long been a concern of the nation. This book examines the roots of this problem by providing a comprehensive, 'state of the field' analysis and synthesis of current research on science education for minority students. Research from a range of theoretical and methodological perspectives is brought to bear on the question of how and why our nation's schools have failed to provide equitable learning opportunities with all students in science education. From this wealth of investigative data, the authors propose a research agenda for the field of science education - identifying strengths and weaknesses in the literature to date as well as the most urgent priorities for those committed to the goals of equity and excellence in science education.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Roland G. Tharp	vii
Acknowledgments	xiii
Introduction	1	(6)
SECTION I. CONCEPTUAL GROUNDING AND POLICY CONTEXT	7	(24)
1 Student Diversity and Science Outcomes	9	(14)
Student Diversity	9	(4)
Gaps in Science Outcomes	13	(8)
Science Outcomes	21	(2)
2 Conceptual Frameworks and Educational Policies	23	(8)
Views of Science: Is Science Independent of Culture?	23	(3)
Theoretical Perspectives Guiding This Synthesis	26	(1)
Accountability as the Policy Context for Science Education	27	(4)
SECTION II. STUDENT LEARNING AND CLASSROOM PRACTICES	31	(70)
3 Students and Science Learning	33	(25)
Factors Related to Science Achievement and Career Choice	33	(4)
Cultural Beliefs and Practices	37	(9)
Scientific Reasoning and Argumentation	46	(2)
The Sociopolitical Process of Science Learning	48	(2)
Science Learning among ELL Students	50	(5)
Discussion	55	(3)
4 Science Curriculum	58	(14)
Representation of Student Diversity in Existing Science Curricula	59	(3)
Culturally Relevant Science Curricula	62	(1)
Technology-Based Science Curricula	63	(3)
Science Curricula for ELL Students	66	(3)
Discussion	69	(3)
5 Science Instruction	72	(20)
Culturally Congruent Science Instruction	72	(6)
Cognitively Based Science Instruction	78	(3)
Sociopolitical Process of Science Instruction	81	(2)
English Language and Literacy in Science Instruction	83	(6)
Discussion	89	(3)
6 Science Assessment	92	(9)
Science Assessment with Culturally Diverse Student Groups	93	(3)
Science Assessment with ELL Students	96	(3)
Discussion	99	(2)
SECTION III. CREATING EQUITABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS	101	(44)
7 Teacher Education	103	(21)
Teacher Preparation	104	(6)
Teacher Professional Development	110	(7)
Teacher Education with ELL Students	117	(4)
Discussion	121	(3)
8 School Organization and Educational Policies	124	(14)
School Organization	124	(4)
Educational Policies	128	(8)
Discussion	136	(2)
9 School and Home/Community Connections	138	(7)
Families and Home Environments	138	(2)
School Science and Community Connections	140	(2)
Science Learning of Homeless Children	142	(1)
Discussion	143	(2)
SECTION IV. CONCLUSIONS AND A RESEARCH AGENDA	145	(18)
10 Conclusions	147	(7)
Key Features of the Literature	147	(3)
Key Findings in the Literature	150	(4)
11 Research Agenda	154	(9)
Science Outcomes	154	(1)
Student Diversity	155	(1)
Diversity of Student Experiences in Relation to Science Curriculum and Instruction	156	(2)
Teacher Education	158	(1)
High-Stakes Assessment and Accountability Policy	159	(1)
School Science and Home/Community Connections	160	(1)
Closing	161	(2)
Appendix: Method for Research Synthesis	163	(4)
References	167	(22)
Index	189