A simple observation:  We live in an age where the image of science has been formed by the fantasy of space exploration, by the magic of the medical sciences, and by the specter of environmental disaster.  Yet, all too often, as we turn to the classroom, the vitality and drama of science has been reduced to a set of technical terms, definitions and answers to multiple-choice questions.  It is time past due to re-think the way we teach.

This web-site is dedicated to a fresh approach to the classroom, emphasizing the value of building arguments with students as they work to understand scientific ideas.

We are about engaging students in substantive issues.  But this is easier said than done.

We are about placing students at the center of what happens in the classroom, not answers, by asking questions that are open…where a reply might begin with “I think…”

But again this is not easy.  How do you find questions that are not a quick hop, step and jump from an answer? This is a good question.  It takes us into our practice as teachers as we prepare for class and as we engage our students.  This is what we are about.

‘Rethinking the Way We Teach Science‘ is now available!

Two conversations at once:

On Tuesdays I will post an essay that is part of a course on a major topic in the sciences. See Teaching of Nature tab.

On Fridays I will post an essay on teaching itself. See Nature of Teaching tab.