Presented at the SMEC & SAILS Conference “Thinking Assessment in Science & Mathematics” which was held on 24-25 June 2014 in the Dublin City University in Ireland. Poster: Assessment of inquiry during a woodlice investigation An inquiry-based module on the living conditions of woodlice (activity proposed by SAILS team at Malmö University) was carried out over 5-6 class periods with Irish students aged 15-16. Students were asked to investigate at least one variable that might affect the life of a woodlice. Assessment of various aspects of inquiry was carried out using written student reports, and during the activities. Watch the interview: http://www.sails-project.eu/portal/resource/interview-declan-cathcart-assessment-inquiry-during-woodlice-investigation

1. Learning path of implementing inquiry based teaching
and its assessment in a science teacher team
Carine Vallons and Bea Veulemans
Sint-Janscollege Meldert, sint-janscollege@telenet.be
How to assess attitudes and skills in the science lessons?
General objectives
 RESEARCH QUESTION
To reduce a scientific problem to a research question and if
possible to formulate a hypothesis or research suggestion about
this question.
‚ TO INFORM
Gathering and structuring information about a research question.
ƒ TO EXECUTE
Systematically finding an answer to the research question.
„ TO REFLECT
Reflecting on an observational assignment / experiment/research
and its results.
… TO REPORT
Reporting on an observational assignment/experiment/research
and its results.
6th grade
2014
This project has received funding
from the European Union’s Seventh
Framework Programme for research,
technological development and demonstration
under grant agreement no 289085
Lab work
Findings
Attitudes
Cover page lab work Assessment of attitude
Assessment sheet
File from 1st
to 6th grade
Current situation: system is applied
Chemistry
Biology
Learning
Scientific
work
Physics
Geography
Inquiry based teaching stresses the importance of learning
trajectories (from 1st to 6th grade)
Conclusions
ô
The current system focuses on the assigning of scores
disadvantages: time-consuming , class size,
Ÿ
Ÿ
Sint-Janscollege Meldert - http://www.sint-janscollege-meldert.be
Skills
Current situation: started 2012-2013, piloting
Conclusion of teacher team
Tool is useful:
to map the scientific
reasoning progress of pupils
to guide the pupil in finding the branch of study
that suits his/her interests and abilities
to have the pupils acquire practical abilities
and capacities from novice to expert level
Ÿ
Conclusion of pupils
Pupils are able:
Ÿto adjust themselves
by means of frequent feedback
Ÿto understand the importance of
peer- and self assessment
Ÿto visualize their own progress
Discussion
Teamwork
ŸImplementation of Inquiry Based Teaching in science
offers many advantages in the assessment of attitudes and skills.
ŸThis system requires team spirit and determination.
ŸThe method has been recently developed and can further be
optimized by means of feedback and input of a
team of teachers and counsellors.
ŸAssessment of Inquired Based Teaching is
a necessity for the future.
sint-janscollege@telenet.be
1st grade