Science Teaching in Secondary Schools

This book is a must-have guide for secondary science teacher training and the early career years, providing practical advice on developing classroom skills and deepening knowledge of science education. It includes real-life examples, observation tips, and reflective questions, and is linked to the Core Content Framework and Early Career Framework.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2022
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

This comprehensive guide is a vital resource for aspiring secondary science teachers, providing invaluable insights and practical advice to excel in the early career years. It covers a wide range of essential topics, including planning and assessment, the power of subject knowledge, effective teaching of challenging subjects, and ensuring health and safety in classroom and lab settings. Written by experienced educators, the book offers real-life examples and reflective questions to engage readers and promote a deeper understanding of teaching principles. Each chapter is carefully linked to the Core Content Framework and Early Career Framework, making it an essential tool for those preparing for teaching certification exams. Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned teacher looking to enhance your skills, this book will empower you to become a successful and effective science teacher.

Leigh Hoath, a Senior Professional Practice Fellow at Leeds Trinity University, and Matthew Livesey, a teacher of biology at Bradford Grammar School, have collaborated to produce this comprehensive guide. Leigh Hoath is a Senior Professional Practice Fellow at Leeds Trinity University, where she has worked extensively in the field of education. She has a passion for supporting aspiring teachers and has written numerous books and articles on the subject. Matthew Livesey is a teacher of biology at Bradford Grammar School, where he has been teaching for over 10 years. He has a deep interest in science education and has been involved in various professional development opportunities.

The book is divided into four main sections:

Section 1: Planning and Assessment

In this section, the authors provide practical advice on how to plan effective lessons and assessments that promote student learning. They discuss the importance of setting clear learning objectives, using formative and summative assessments, and providing feedback to students. They also explore different teaching strategies, such as inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, and collaborative learning, and how they can be used to engage and motivate students.

Section 2: The Power of Subject Knowledge

The authors emphasize the importance of having a deep understanding of the subject matter you teach. They discuss the benefits of building a strong foundation of subject knowledge, including how it can help you to identify and address student misconceptions, develop effective teaching strategies, and create engaging lessons. They also provide tips on how to develop your subject knowledge, including reading research papers, attending conferences, and collaborating with other teachers.

Section 3: Teaching Tricky Topics

The authors recognize that teaching tricky topics, such as physics, chemistry, or biology, can be challenging for new teachers. They provide practical advice on how to approach these topics effectively, including breaking down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable parts, using visual aids and demonstrations, and encouraging student participation and engagement. They also discuss the importance of providing extra support and guidance to students who may be struggling with these topics.

Section 4: Health and Safety in the Classroom and Lab

Health and safety are critical aspects of teaching science, and the authors provide detailed guidance on how to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for students. They discuss the importance of following safety protocols, such as wearing protective equipment, handling hazardous materials safely, and maintaining clean and hygienic facilities. They also provide tips on how to handle emergencies, such as fires or chemical spills, and how to communicate effectively with students, parents, and other school staff in case of an emergency.

In addition to these sections, the book includes real-life examples and reflective questions that challenge readers to engage with key ideas and reflect on their own teaching practices. These questions are designed to promote a deeper understanding of teaching principles and help readers develop an informed approach to teaching science.

Overall, this book is a valuable resource for aspiring secondary science teachers, providing practical advice and insights to help them excel in the early career years. Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned teacher looking to enhance your skills, this book will empower you to become a successful and effective science teacher.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 191 x 242 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529762594