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Group interactions in science practical work

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Abstract

This study explored the interactions of a highly motivated group of students doing traditional practical work in science. Interest focussed on the social construction of understanding and how this could be described. Despite considerable collaboration in constructing an understanding of the task the students rarely focussed on the concepts the practical work was intended to illustrate. Collaboration was described in terms of social behaviours and discourse moves which supported the use of cognitive strategies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Mathematics and Science Education, Queensland University of Technology, Locked Bag 2, 4059, Red Hill, Queensland

    Clare Christensen (Masters student) &  Cam McRobbie (Associate Professor)

Authors
  1. Clare Christensen
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  2. Cam McRobbie
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Additional information

Specializations: science practical work, collaborative group work, role of language.

Specializations: science teacher education, conceptual change, learning environments, science reasoning.

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Christensen, C., McRobbie, C. Group interactions in science practical work. Research in Science Education 24, 51–59 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02356328

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