Transformative Science Education: Change How Your Students Experience the World

by Kevin J. Pugh, Gale M. Sinatra (Foreword by)

Overview

Use this book to move science learning out of the classroom and into everyday life. Science has a profound capacity to transform how we experience the world, but it can be challenging to foster transformative experiences. When it comes to the science classroom, too often the Las Vegas slogan applies: What happens here stays here. Based on over 20 years of research, this guide presents the Teaching for Transformative Experiences in Science instructional model to help teachers craft practices that will encourage students to apply science concepts beyond defined school boundaries. This practical resource includes detailed vignettes, classroom examples, guidance for trying out strategies, and materials for assessing transformative experiences.

Book Features

• Introduction to transformative experience theory.
• A model of teaching based on empirical classroom research.
• Vignettes and classroom examples that illustrate application of the model strategies.
• “Try It Out” guides.
• Assessment materials.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807764503
Publisher:	Teachers College Press
Publication date:	10/23/2020
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Kevin J. Pugh is a professor of educational psychology at the University of Northern Colorado.

Table of Contents

Foreword Gale M. Sinatra vii

Acknowledgments ix

Preface xi

1 Transformative Experience Theory 1

Newton's Laws and a Child in Motion 1

Transformative Experience Theory 2

Three Characteristics of Transformative Experience 4

Practical Benefits of Fostering Transformative Experience 7

Why We Need to Teach for Transformative Experience 8

The Teaching for Transformative Experiences in Science (TTES) Model 10

What to Expect and How to Succeed 14

Reflection 15

Part I Artistic Selection and Crafting of Content 17

2 Select Content Worth Teaching 19

Selecting Content Worth Teaching in Action 20

Select Big Ideas 23

Select Ideas with Powerful Affordances 24

Select Ideas in the Deweyan Sense of the Term 26

Summary 29

Try It Out 29

3 Craft Content as Ideas 31

Crafting Content as Ideas in Action 31

Use Anticipation and Experiential Value Statements 33

Emphasize "Having the Journey" 36

Present Compelling Metaphors 36

Restore Concepts to the Experience in Which They Had Their Origin and Significance 38

Evoke a Sense of Wonder, Suspense, and the Sublime 40

Summary 42

Try It Out 43

Part II Experiential Apprenticeship 47

4 Model Transformative Engagement 49

Modeling Transformative Engagement in Action 49

Share Your Own Transformative Experiences 51

Express Enthusiasm and Passion for the Content 52

Expose Students to Other Effective Models 53

Summary 54

Try It Out 55

5 Scaffold Student Experience 57

Scaffolding Experience in Action 57

Prompt Scientific Thinking, Perceiving, and Valuing Inside and Outside of School 61

Hold Use-Change-Value (UCV) Conversations 65

Make Use of Boundary-Crossing Objects 66

Summary 72

Try it Out 75

6 Scaffold Re-Seeing 77

Scaffolding Re-Seeing in Action 77

Identify Re-Seeing Opportunities 78

Share Re-Seeing Experiences 81

Utilize Real-World Updates 83

Experientially Anchored Instruction 86

Summary 89

Try It Out 92

Part III Doing and Undergoing 95

7 Put Students in the Role of Explorers 97

Students as Explorers in Action 98

Engage Students in Inquiry 101

Have Students Create 106

Try Out Service Learning or Expeditionary Learning 109

Summary 111

Try It Out 112

8 Create a Culture in Which Students Feel Safe to "Surrender" 114

Supportive Culture in Action 115

Teach and Foster Mindfulness 119

Establish a Mastery Goal Environment 122

Support Autonomous Motivation 127

Summary 134

Try It Out 135

Conclusion 139

Appendix A The Teaching for Transformative Experiences in Science Model 141

Appendix B Materials for Assessing Transformative Experience 145

References 149

Index 157

About the Author 164

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Whether it is responding to a global pandemic or addressing climate change, we need science instruction to be more relevant and to engage diverse learners who are prepared to meet the challenges of their communities. Changing how students experience science can change more than their understanding of science. It can change the world.”
—From the Foreword by Gale M. Sinatra, professor of education, USC Rossier School of Education

“Kevin Pugh’s book is certainly transformative. He squarely positions motivation theory from decades of educational research within the current science education reform environment of the Next Generation Science Standards. A must-read for encouraging students to fully engage in the scientific practices and disciplinary core ideas.”
—Doug Lombardi, Science Learning Research Group, University of Maryland, College Park

“This thoughtful and practical book will be a powerful tool in the hands of science teachers at all education levels. Drawing upon decades of research, Kevin Pugh makes a strong case for the value of transformative science education, and then systematically leads readers through the strategies and resources they need to support its implementation.”
—Jennifer Schmidt, associate professor, Michigan State University

Editorial Reviews

This concise and readable book details the Teaching for Transformative Experiences in Science (TTES) model, which aims to bring science education into the everyday world and enrich students' experiences. Pugh (education psychology, Univ. of Northern Colorado) has been working on transformative education for 20 years and here details the theory of this practice, which has roots in John Dewey's educational theories, while also covering stories, examples, strategies and exercises to try, and assessment tools. Throughout the text, Pugh also addresses different ways that educators can foster learning both in and out of the classroom. This volume will be suitable for current and preservice science teachers.”

—CHOICE

From the Publisher