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NSTA Releases Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 4, Adding 25 New Probes to Take the Guesswork Out of Assessment

Posted on: Monday, 13 April 2009, 09:20 CDT

ARLINGTON, Va., April 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 4 offers 25 additional formative assessment probes to help reveal students' preconceptions of fundamental science concepts, bringing the total to 100 in the popular series by author Page Keeley. Teachers of grades K-12 will find short probes with grade-band specifics that provide easy-to-follow suggestions for addressing students' ideas by promoting learning through conceptual-change instruction. Volume 4 adds to the probes in physical, life, and Earth and space science with a new category called "unifying principles." Also covered is a discussion on balancing formative assessment with summative assessment.

Most useful are the "Teacher Notes," which appear after each probe and include instructions for administering the probe, descriptions of grade-level considerations, related ideas from the National Science Education Standards, additional research and suggestions for instruction and assessment.

In the preface, the authors who have worked with teachers in professional development and enhancement initiatives say "increased teachers' use of the probes has led to profound changes in content knowledge, pedagogy, and beliefs about how students learn science." It's no wonder thousands of teachers have chosen to practice their profession using this series as a fundamental resource.

About the Authors

Page Keeley is the senior science program director at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA). She is currently serving a one-year term as president of the National Science Teachers Association.

Joyce Tugel is a science specialist at MMSA, where she develops, coordinates and implements science education initiatives nationally.

You can browse sample pages of this new book free at the NSTA Science Store website at www.nsta.org/store.

For additional information or to purchase Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 4: 25 New Formative Assessment Probes and other books from NSTA Press, visit the NSTA Science Store at www.nsta.org/store. To order by phone, call 800-277-5300 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET weekdays. Outside the United States and Canada, call 301-638-0200. The 184-page book is priced at $27.95 and discount-priced for NSTA members at $22.36. (Stock # PB193X4, ISBN # 978-1-935155-01-0)

The Arlington, Va.-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 60,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

NSTA Press produces 15-25 new books each year. Focused on the PreK-college market and specifically aimed at teachers of science, NSTA Press titles offer a unique blend of accurate scientific content and sound teaching strategies.

SOURCE National Science Teachers Association

Source: PR Newswire

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