Science Education Programme

Evaluation of Inquiry-Based Science Education

May 2, 2006

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

Working Session #3:  How can elements of IBSE be evaluated?  (Amaral & Grynszpans)

 

Element to be evaluated

Method/Sample/Procedure

Benefits

Impediments

Examples:

  1. Declarative (facts/concepts)
  2. Procedural (steps/scientific process)
  3. Schematic (knowing ‘why’)
  4. Strategic knowledge (application)

Examples:

  1. Quasi-experimental
  2. Unit tests; gap reduction models
  3. Classroom observations
  4. Analysis of student notebooks
  5. Attendance
  6. Cross-curricular performance
  7. School/community involvement

Examples:

  1. Assess on large scale
  2. Strong comparison groups
  1. Teachers at different levels of implementation
  2. Maintaining databases
  3. Tracking students over time
  4. Funding

 
  1. Fidelity of  implementation of IBSE model (inside the classroom)

.curriculum used

. pedagogical practices

.student practices

. materials used

.professional development

.classroom atmosphere or climate, ambiance

.community relationships (classroom, school, families, scientists, institutions)

 

 

                                            

 

 

 

Curriculum: field observation

Scientific notebooks (teacher evaluation of notebook entries; student entries reflective of quality tasks)

.teacher logs or portfolios

.use and type of textbooks

.completion of lessons (how many lessons taught)

 

 

 

Statistically appropriate sample (regional, grade levels, teacher experience, social-cultural-ethnic considerations, cost)

Longitudinal data from notebooks (follow students and-or teachers)

Evaluation team – who, what roles do they have, what expertise is needed for data gathering and analysis)

 

2. Outside of the classroom

. materials developed

.professional development

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orally, written formats, sampling individual students, whole class-school way

Tests – borrowing from current available instruments and conduct item analyses on pilot basis

Must consider psychometric issues with these

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