1. Analysing Classroom Discourse: Practical Work in the Biology Laboratory.
- Author
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Jimenez-Aleixandre, Maria Pilar and Diaz de Bustamante, Joaquin
- Abstract
This study is part of a larger study on the problems that high school students' have in the interpretation and production of drawings and graphic representations in practical work in the biology laboratory, specifically with the use of the microscope. This part of the study focuses on classroom discourse among students and teacher as they use the microscope and other classroom materials (i.e., handouts, texts, and notebooks). The questions explored included the amount of involvement in inquiry that the tasks required and its relation to the discourse, the categories (qualitative and quantitative) of interactions, and what could be considered practical work on biology versus what could be coded as display. Methodology involved videotaping and observing 11th grade students working in groups. The tapes were transcribed and coded for both verbal and nonverbal interactions. Discussion includes identifying features of discourse that may be better described as archetypal tasks framed in school culture rather than as inquiry. It is concluded that a different approach to lab work is needed in which it should be made explicit not just how to do the tasks but also why and for what purpose the tasks should be done. Contains 18 references, 3 tables, and 5 figures of data. (Author/PVD)
- Published
- 1997