Keele Science Learning Centre

Overview

Keynote address by Paul McCrory

It seems teachers are constantly being exhorted to ‘make science fun’ nowadays. How can hard-pressed teachers working to deliver a curriculum, find the time to do this in practice? Is it even possible to make all science topics ‘fun’? This interactive keynote will explore these fundamental questions and use exciting demonstrations to introduce a toolkit of techniques to emotionally engage students in science in the classroom.

Some feedback about Paul:

“Loved this session! Gave me a new enthusiasm for science and motivated my children.”

“Inspirational speaker - relevant not just to science but a great reminder of techniques for motivating and getting attention.”

Workshops will include:

Engaging Practical Approaches

Engaging students’ curiosity in the range of fascinating materials used in everyday life gives them the motivation to find out more about  these materials and understand the scientific concepts underpinning their use. This session will give you plenty of ideas for integrating them effectively into your lessons.

Think Differently  (with Paul McCrory)

Explore some engagement techniques from the keynote address (such as emotional modelling, disclosing character, interaction, suspense and surprise, humour, story-telling and demonstrations) in more detail and in a more experiential way.

Developing Writing Skills in Science

For students to access the highest grades in their science GCSE they?will need to address long answer questions confidently, succinctly and precisely. This session will set out to showcase strategies that can be used to help pupils to develop an approach to developing high quality, well-structured written explanations.

Assessment for Learning, Questioning and Levelness

Good Assessment for learning underpins student progress and achievement. Enhance your understanding of what constitutes best practice in this vital area of teaching and how it applies to questioning and levelness.

Exciting, Effective and Safe Demonstrations

We can all remember spectacular and interesting demonstrations and this session is based on tried and tested favourites which have never failed to impress.

Using Video to Support Learning

A hands-on session exploring use of video to support learning.

Observatory Visit

Wednesday’s evening meal will followed by a visit the observatory to see the stars, weather permitting!

Dates and venue

Start Date: 27 November 2013

Venue: Keele Science Learning Centre

Learning Outcomes

You will be able to:

• demonstrate the ability to use a wider range of approaches, including emotional engagement, to teaching and learning 

• apply an extended range of Assessment for Learning strategies to promote students' learning in science 

• integrate more opportunities for using effective practical approaches to support the teaching of How Science Works 

• draw on the experience of others to reflect upon and develop your own practice 

• identify opportunities for your own continuing professional development to support a rewarding and successful teaching career

Tutor

Paul McCrory, Jo Moules, Jo Horlock and Stephen Burrowes

Pre Course Task

Reflect on a successful classroom activity and what made it successful. Be prepared to share this with other participants.

Contacts

Keele Science Learning Centre

Keele University
Staffordshire
ST5 5BG

T: 01782 734 429
E: kslc@keele.ac.uk
F: 01782 734 430