Free Dialogue in Science CPD for KS3 and KS4 science teachers
11th February 2010
Heathside School in Surrey
This course combined methods of philosophical enquiry with scientific stimuli to enable teachers to create and sustain a dialogue with their classes. The importance of enquiry and questioning skills, imaginative and meaningful dialogue, and careful reasoning were emphasised.
Our workshop modelled classroom practice through the presentation of a science stimulus to encourage participants to form their own questions arising from these issues. Participants then democratically selected a single question for the whole group to explore through structured dialogue aided by the facilitator.
Resources and suggested lesson plans were provided and the Biochemical Society provided 25 grants to cover the full cost of the course.
We are grateful to Steve Bramall for facilitating the discussions, to the Team at Surrey SATRO for gathering the teachers and organising the venue and refreshments. We must also thank Heathside School for the use of their facilities during the evening.