Writing and Learning in the Science Classroom

by Wallace, Carolyn S.; Prain, Vaughan; Hand, Brian

• ISBN13: 9781402020179
• ISBN10: 1402020171
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-06-30
• Publisher: Kluwer Academic Pub

Summary

This volume is of interest to science educators, graduate students, and classroom teachers. The book will also be an important addition to any scholarly library focusing on science education, science literacy, and writing. This book is unique in that it synthesizes the research of the three leading researchers in the field of writing to learn science: Carolyn S. Wallace, Brian Hand, and Vaughan Prain. It includes a comprehensive review of salient literature in the field, detailed reports of the authors' own research studies, and current and future issues on writing in science. The book is the first to definitely answer the question, "Does writing improve science learning?". Further, it provides evidence for some of the mechanisms through which learning occurs. It combines both theory and practice in a unique way. Although primarily a tool for research, classroom teachers will also find many practical suggestions for using writing in the science classroom.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction. Does Writing Promote Learning in Science?	1	(8)
Chapter 2. Evidence from the Literature for Writing as a Mode of Science Learning	9	(12)
Chapter 3. Cognitive, Constructivist Mechanisms for Learning Science through Writing	21	(12)
Chapter 4. The Role of Language in Science Learning and Literacy	33	(14)
Chapter 5. A Research Program on Writing for Learning in Science, 1992-2002	47	(20)
Chapter 6. Using a Science Writing Heuristic to Promote Learning from Laboratory	67	(24)
Chapter 7. Children's Views of Writing to Learn	91	(14)
Chapter 8. Teacher's Perceptions of Writing to Learn Strategies	105	(18)
Chapter 9. Breakthroughs, Classroom Implications, On-going and Future Research	123	(14)
References	137	(12)
Index	149