Talk 1 - Zoe Crompton This seminar considers children’s interest in science and nature, illustrated by data from one case study child. The evidence is drawn from a larger qualitative study that tracks a group of eight children’s emerging interest in science from the age of 5 to 7 years old. The purpose of the study is to gain a greater understanding of the ways in which children express their interest in science. Using a creative multi-method tool to collect data, I have viewed a child’s world through a number of different windows – the child’s own words and actions, and the words of her parents and teaching staff. Findings suggest that there is a mismatch between adults’ perceptions of a child’s interests and the child’s self-perception, which has implications for early years practice.
Talk 2 - Craig Martin This interactive talk (requiring audience participation) will explore ways of assessing children's argumentation - reasoning skills - within a socio-scientific context. Through a number of practical examples, together we will explore the ModTAP Analytical Framework as a tool for assessing children's understanding of the world around them. The use of the framework allows classroom practitioners to ascertain individual/group levels of knowledge and understanding, which guides appropriate differentiated teaching, leading to up-levelling of the children's socio-scientific reasoning skills. This interactive talk will provide an insight into ways to discretely raise attainment not only in S.T.E.M based subjects but across the curriculum.
