In STEM, methodology is important. Make sure to show students examples of what an effective justification, evaluation, or revision of a model, argument, or idea looks like. Pausing to ask students to explain and expand on their thoughts asking them to describe in more detail their analytical processes creates a space where assumptions can be challenged and prepares students to serve as thought partners as they draw conclusions from given data, models, and explanations. Try posing questions, puzzling events, or activities that have multiple methods in which they could be solved. Ask “why?” questions to deepen further inquiry. These techniques demonstrate to students the importance of showing their work and equip them with the skills to provide evidence-based explanations.
Speaking up and sharing among STEM students is vital. Consider employing teaching strategies that encourage students to share, such as making clear that all students’ ideas are accepted in class discussion, assigning one student within a group to report findings to the class, and following up with a whole class discussion.
Small group work can be a great opportunity for students to collaborate, but it can be difficult to ensure equal participation. Adopting the following formats can be helpful in facilitating productive small group sessions:
- Adapt the classroom to work best for productive small group discussion, like moving student desks together
- Move throughout each group to monitor discussion, intervening minimally and intentionally (for example, by redirecting the discussion or prompting deeper inquiry from students)
- Designate a student reporter to share the findings of each small group
Whole class discussion helps share what everyone is learning, but it can be hard to maintain equitable participation. The following strategies help engage all students, from the shy students those very comfortable with sharing:
- Pose questions to the whole class, not just individual students. Focus on conceptual understanding rather than solely on achieving right or wrong answers.
- Invite and expect all students to ask questions and respond to the ideas of their peers
- Encourage students to work and build upon each other’s ideas, and support discussions probing similarities and differences among ideas and thinking.