CANCELED Science and Literacy: Discourse and Writing

Dates:
November 16, December 6, 2011 And one other time TBD by the class
Time: 8:30 - 3:30pm

Location: LAPDA Meeting space, Montpelier, VT

Cost: $450 for members; $525 for nonmembers;

*Lunch will be provided*

* Participants must Purchase Both Text Books

Registration: http://www.lapdavt.org

Call (802) 224-9110 for more information

About this Course:

Students are likely talking and recording during your science classes.  But, are those discussions and writing helping them deepen their conceptual understanding and/or scientific skills and thinking while also building their literacy skills?  As Worth describes in her Science and Literacy program, “science cannot be learned well without a sophisticated use of literacy skills, and literacy skills must be practiced in authentic contexts to be deeply learned.”
In order to support science conceptual development and reasoning skills, there must be a balance between carefully designed hands-on experiences and the intentional use of oral and written language.  The skills of effective written and oral language must be explicitly taught.  This 3 day workshop will focus on these skills in the context of science and connect to many of the Common Core Standards for Writing and Speaking and Listening.

We will use two research based resources: 
Science and Literacy:  A Natural Fit by Karen Worth and Writing in Science by Betsy Rupp Fulwiler.  We will engage in inquiry to experience for ourselves the power of carefully planned discussions and opportunities to write.  Then, we will build our own skills in leading discussions, using science notebooks, and scaffolding expository writing that is focused on helping students make meaning from their experiences.  Classroom videos, student science notebooks, and writing samples will be used.  You will have an opportunity to try some of the strategies between sessions and share what you are finding.  

Required texts:

Writing in Science:  How to Scaffold  Instruction to Support Learning.  2007.  Betsy  Rupp Fulwiler. Portsmouth, NH:  Heinemann.

The Essentials of Science and Literacy: A Guide for Teachers.  2009.  Karen Worth, Jeff Winokur, Sally Crissman, Martha Heller-Winokur, Martha Davis.  Portsmouth, NH Heinemann.

About the Instructor:

Renee Affolter, is a Program Co-Director for Vermont Science Initiative, teaching courses and mentoring teachers throughout the state since 2003. She has been able to apply her Masters in Science Education from UC Berkeley and her high school and middle school teaching experience to helping teachers improve science instruction in their classrooms. Renee is also responsible for teaching Best Practice in Science Education, Action Research, and Science Assessment courses for VSI.  In addition, Renee works in schools and districts throughout the state providing professional development, science coaching, and curriculum development support.