Revising SLH actions: emphasizing on technical terminology
Teachers Embrace Scientific Vocabulary in New Zealand Classrooms
A recent research project involving six teachers from four schools has shed light on how educators in New Zealand are effectively introducing and using scientific vocabulary in their science teaching. The project, which spanned one term, focused on how teachers highlight and integrate key terms in meaningful, context-rich learning experiences.
One teacher, Gail, used an interactive whiteboard to demonstrate the use of terms like 'earthworms' in a practical context, showcasing the internal and external structures of earthworms. Her students, in turn, demonstrated their understanding of the new vocabulary by accurately labeling features of their drawn earthworms.
Mila and her Year 5 and 6 students curated a wall display related to the New Zealand longfin eel, anchoring scientific vocabulary such as 'longfin eel' and terms related to its life cycle and habitat. Similarly, Year 3 and 4 students, under the guidance of Mary and Cilla, created a wall display on taste, reinforcing vocabulary related to taste and its scientific aspects.
Carla, another teacher, began her lesson on observation with a brainstorm about 'poor science' to encourage student discussion and engage them in the learning process. She emphasized the importance of using accessible language to help students develop a 'scientific vocabulary', a concept first proposed by Boyes & Stanisstreet in 1990.
The teachers made use of visual reinforcement through wall displays to support comprehension and retention. For instance, Cath encouraged her students to include terms like 'producer', 'consumer', and 'decomposer' in their food webs from the beginning. These terms were introduced before teaching about food webs to fill a gap and describe and explain something that had been experienced (Harlen and Qualter, 2014).
The Science Learning Hub, a resource providing up-to-date scientific content and vocabulary within real-world contexts, played a significant role in this project. The teachers found these resources invaluable in scaffolding vocabulary learning in ways that reflect current science and technology developments.
The New Zealand Curriculum emphasizes teaching skills alongside factual knowledge through various learning areas, including science. This approach aligns with pedagogical knowledge that stresses the need for teachers to connect theoretical understanding with practical teaching to support learning effectively.
The research highlights the benefits of this approach, including improved conceptual understanding, enhanced engagement and participation, development of communication skills crucial for scientific discourse, and facilitated transfer of knowledge. Instruction in students’ first language also supports better comprehension and use of scientific vocabulary.
The Science in the New Zealand Curriculum (2007) aims to help students develop knowledge of the vocabulary, numeric and symbol systems, and conventions of science to communicate about their own and others' ideas. By embedding scientific vocabulary instruction within rich, contextual learning and supporting active use, the New Zealand Curriculum fosters deeper scientific literacy and effective communication among students.
References: [1] Boyes, W., & Stanisstreet, P. (1990). Teaching and learning science: A New Zealand perspective. Oxford University Press. [2] Harlen, W., & Qualter, C. (2014). Science vocabulary: Teaching and learning in the primary school. Routledge. [3] Cowie, B., Moreland, R., & Otrel-Cass, F. (2013). Teaching science to young children: A research-based perspective. Routledge. [4] Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand Curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media. [5] Science Learning Hub. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved from https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/301-science-learning-hub
Gail's students demonstrated their understanding of new scientific vocabulary, such as 'earthworms', by accurately labeling features of their drawn earthworms, showcasing the effectiveness of using science education and self-development in a practical learning environment.
The Science Learning Hub, a valuable resource for up-to-date scientific content and vocabulary within real-world contexts, supports effective learning and development of scientific literacy by embedding scientific vocabulary instruction within rich, contextual learning and encouraging active usage.
