NSTA Press Releases Book to Help Teachers Determine Students' Mistaken Ideas About Science

By: Apr. 30, 2014
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Before teachers can provide meaningful learning experiences for their students, it is imperative for them to understand the preconceived ideas their students bring with them to science class. Recently published by NSTA Press, What Are They Thinking? Promoting Elementary Learning Through Formative Assessment helps teachers assess what elementary school children know-or think they know-about the natural world so that they can adjust teaching techniques and provide quality instruction to their students.

What Are They Thinking? is a compendium of 30 "Formative Assessment Probes" columns from NSTA's elementary-level journal Science and Children. Each column provides:

  • A sample probe, a set of interesting questions that root out commonly held, often mistaken ideas. Geared to elementary students, topics range from why the moon is visible in the daytime to where water goes when it evaporates. Students' answers will help teachers figure out how to guide them from where they are conceptually to where they need to be.
  • Accompanying teacher notes with easy-to-grasp explanations, plus advice on how to encourage evidence-based discussion and monitor students' progress.
  • Study group questions written especially for this compendium by columnist Page Keeley, author of NSTA's award-winning, bestselling Uncovering Student Ideas in Science series.

"Many [mistaken] ideas will follow students into adulthood if they remain hidden from the teacher and unresolved," said Keeley. "The challenge for teachers is to find ways to elicit these ideas and then use appropriate strategies to move students' learning forward."

Browse sample pages of this title for free at the NSTA Science Store website.

For additional information or to purchase What Are They Thinking? Promoting Elementary Learning Through Formative Assessment, visit the NSTA Science Store. To order by phone, call 800-277-5300 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET weekdays. The 226-page book is priced at $37.95 and discount-priced for NSTA members at $30.36. (Stock # PB348X, ISBN # 978-1-938946-25-7)

About NSTA

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes approximately 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

NSTA Press produces 25-30 new books and e-books each year. Focused on the preK-college market and specifically aimed at teachers of science, NSTA Press titles offer a unique blend of accurate scientific content and sound teaching strategies.



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