Language Literacy and Science: Enhancing Engagement and Achievement in Science (SpringerBriefs in Education)

This book presents the findings of two case studies in the 'Making Connections' two-year project funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Education. It shows how science literacy was improved in a state coeducational school with Pacific Island students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This book details ideas and strategies relevant to schools where English literacy has an impact on the science engagement and achievement of ethnically diverse student populations. It also presents the teaching as inquiry model and its usage by teachers to improve aspects of their teaching strategies. Acknowledgements About This Book Contents List of Figures List of Tables 1 Introduction and Literature Review Introduction Language Literacy and Scientific Literacy Language Literacy Science Literacy Science Learning Challenges for English as an Additional Language Learners Teaching as Inquiry Practice Focus Research Focus References 2 The Theoretical Frame, Research Design and Methodology Theoretical Framework Research Design and Methodology Researcher Role Research Questions and Sources of Evidence Data Analysis References 3 Year 9 Case Study, Sparklers for Developing Science Literacy Results for the Year 9 Teacher Inquiry Analysis of the Mind Maps Before and After the Energy Unit Results of Year 9 Student Interviews Results of Year 9 Student Surveys Sparklers Results from the pre- and Post-Mind Maps in the Second Cycle Writing Paragraphs Science Thinking with Evidence Assessment Findings Reference 4 Year 12 Case Study, Concept Mapping, and Communicating Science Ideas Methodology The Inquiry Process Year 12 Results Results of Year 12 Student Interviews Results of Student Concept Maps Writing Paragraphs Mock Exam Results National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) Results Findings 5 Teaching as Inquiry Year 9 Teacher Inquiry Year 12 Teacher Inquiry Change in Teacher Practice in the First Cycle Change in Teacher Practice in the Second Cycle Year 12 Study Has Begun Teachers’ Sense Making Conversations References 6 Discussion, Conclusion, and Final Thoughts Emergent Themes Conclusion Application to Other Education Settings Final Comment References Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C