Building Thinking Classrooms in Science

As the world rapidly changes, so do the teaching practices in high school classrooms. In science education, contemporary strategies focus on promoting deeper thinking and problem-solving skills to prepare students for real-world challenges. Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Grades K-12: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning, developed by Peter Liljedahl, has proven successful in math classrooms. However, how can these strategies be adapted to science high school classrooms?

Embedding Problem-Based Learning

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered approach where learners work together to solve real-world problems. In science high school classrooms, teachers can provide students with a problem, such as designing a sustainable energy solution for a community, and guide them through the process of researching and finding solutions. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and the ability to apply them in practical settings.

Encouraging Collaboration

In science education, collaboration is key. Teachers can encourage students to work in groups, pairing strong learners with weaker ones to promote cooperation and shared learning. Collaboration activities can include lab work, group projects, and discussions. By fostering collaboration, students develop social and emotional skills that are essential for the 21st century.

Implementing Visible Thinking Routines

Visible Thinking Routines (VTRs) are a set of practices that help students think deeply and clearly about complex ideas. Teachers can implement VTRs in science high school classrooms by providing prompts that encourage students to analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific data. VTRs also promote active participation and reflection, which leads to a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

Using Flipped Learning

Flipped learning is a teaching method where students watch recorded lectures or read course material outside of class, freeing up in-class time for interactive activities. In science high school classrooms, teachers can create short videos that explain scientific concepts and theories, leaving class time for discussions, experiments, and problem-solving activities. Flipped learning allows students to learn at their own pace, while also promoting deeper learning and critical thinking.

Implementing Problem-Solving Techniques

Problem-solving techniques are a set of strategies that students use to identify, analyze, and solve complex problems. Teachers can introduce these techniques to science high school students by providing them with real-world problems that require scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills. These problems can be designed to encourage students to think creatively and explore different solutions.

Emphasizing Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry-based learning is a student-centered approach where learners develop critical thinking skills by asking questions and seeking answers. Science high school teachers can use inquiry-based learning to promote critical thinking skills and encourage students to explore scientific concepts. Inquiry-based learning activities can include lab work, field trips, and research projects.

Using Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning is a teaching method where students work on a project over an extended period of time, solving real-world problems and answering complex questions. In science high school classrooms, teachers can use project-based learning to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Projects can include designing experiments, researching scientific topics, and building models.

Promoting Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking skills are essential in science education, as they allow students to analyze and interpret scientific data. Teachers can promote critical thinking skills by providing students with problems that require analysis and interpretation, and by encouraging students to question and evaluate scientific information. Critical thinking skills can also be promoted through group discussions and collaborative activities.

Fostering Creativity

In science high school classrooms, fostering creativity is essential for promoting deeper learning and problem-solving skills. Teachers can provide students with creative challenges, such as designing an innovative scientific experiment or developing a new scientific theory. Fostering creativity also involves encouraging students to think outside the box and explore different solutions to scientific problems.