Consensus on Learning Scientific Inquiry

1
Consensus on Learning Scientific Inquiry

• Richard E. Grandy
• Philosophy Cognitive Sciences
• Rice University

2
NSF sponsored conference
ESI 0343196 Richard Duschl and Richard Grandy Rutgers, February 2005 http//www.ruf.rice.edu/rgrandy/ConferenceInfo. html
3
First Consensus
Conceptual structures and cognitive processes used in scientific reasoning
Epistemic frameworks used when developing and evaluating scientific knowledge
Social processes and contexts that shape discovery, representation, communication and argumentation
4
Second consensus
Scientists have strong motivations to pursue inquiry
Scientific theories/models invoke hidden variables, entities, processes
Scientific theories often rely on mathematics to represent data
5
Second consensus continued
Scientific theories often rely on mathematics to represent models/theories
Scientists actively look for evidence
Scientists have a social structure to support inquiry
6
Second consensus continued
Scientists work within a set of traditions guiding and constraining research
Scientists debate the merits of theories models
Scientific theories/models are constrained by related theories and models
7
Second consensus completed
Scientists read about data and theories/models
Scientists write about data/models
8
Third Consensus
Epistemic and social elements of science are best incorporated as part of extended immersion units
9
Fourth Consensus
Authentic science includes all of the elements from consensus two, but school science cannot incorporate all of those in each 50 minute class
10
Fifth Consensus
We need to know more about details of cognitive development, but we need to know MUCH MORE about development of social skills and epistemic abilities