Designing a Computer Plus Talk Teaching Sequence for Science Lessons

This book focuses on the development, implementation and evaluation of a teaching sequence that enhances students’ understanding of the chemical rate of reaction concept. The teaching sequence uses an innovative approach to classroom talk as ‘thinking tools’ supported by the use of computer simulations and modelling, to help students develop understanding of the abstract nature of chemical rate of reaction concept. This book demonstrates how teaching science concepts through a computer-plus-talk sequence can be developed, implemented and evaluated. It highlights how the computer-plus-talk teaching sequence offers a better meta-theoretical framework approach to teaching content areas that students find hard to conceptualise. It demonstrates that the research-based computer supported teaching sequence along with talk approaches supports learning across the complete ability range for both girls and boys. This book also provides detailed illustrations of how sociocultural theory can be used to analyse classroom interactions and demonstrates how the process of designing computer supported teaching sequences can be drawn upon to inform the professional development of science teachers.