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essay代写-EDST2003-Assignment 2
时间：2022-04-26
EDST2003 Assignment 2 z
Introduction
This lesson plan will be focused on Science and will be conducted in a comprehensive, co-
educational school in Western Sydney. The Western Sydney region has a linguistically and
culturally diverse population, which is reflected in the demographic of the year 8 science
classroom. The class consists of 22 students, with some students having the characteristic of
English as a Second Language (EAL). The class is currently up to learning about “using the
particle model to explain observed phenomena linking the energy of the particles to
temperature changes,” which is under the ‘different states of matter’ topic ("Science", n.d.).
The results of their previous assessment highlighted gaps in their knowledge of year 7
scientific skills as some students were unable to differentiate between independent and
dependent variables. Therefore, this lesson will also build upon their fundamental scientific
skills from year 7, in both literacy and numeracy aspects.
Lesson plan
In this lesson plan, the students will be focusing on how water is able to change from liquid
to gas, when energy is gained through heating. This lesson will be divided into the literacy
and numeracy components and will be conducted in their 2-hour lesson on Thursday, since
the lesson plan includes an experiment of boiling water.
Activity 1- Literacy (around 50 minutes)
The literacy component of this lesson plan will address the year 8 science curriculum
requirement of being able to use technology to communicate scientific understanding through
creation of text types ("Science", n.d.). This will focus on key areas under the National
Literacy Learning Progressions (NLLP) such as creating texts, listening, interaction and
keyboarding, with some elements of speaking and grammar (National Literacy Learning
Progression, n.d.).
To start the lesson, do a revision of the particle theory by using the simplified diagram that
will be projected onto the board (look at image below). Then, provide an overview of today’s
lesson, the first half of the lesson they will produce part of a scientific report, then in the
second half, they will complete their experiment where the results will be tabulated and
graphed.
Additionally, divide the class into groups of 3 or 4, these groups will remain the same for the
rest of the lesson. Then ask them the group to discuss what they think the structure of a
scientific report is. Then draw on the white board the structure of a scientific report as a
flowchart (look at the image below).
After understanding the structure of the scientific report, allow the class to access their
handout 1 (appendix item 1) from google classroom. Instruct them to type the title, ‘boiling
water experiment.’ Then, proceed to explain that boiling water is the act of water turning into
gas. Which will transition into the aim of the scientific report, make sure to explain that the
sentence must start with ‘to,’ and must also type in third person. Additionally, explain what
third person is with examples. Then dictate that the purpose of the assignment is ‘to
determine the boiling point of water.’
Afterwards, for the hypothesis section, first explain what it is. Then, ask them to discuss in
their groups what their prediction for the experiment will be. If they struggle, provide them
an example that the water could possibly boil at 80°C. They will then express their answers to
the class.
For the equipment section ask them to type up the equipment they see set up at the front of
the classroom. To ensure they typed up the correct names for the equipment, identify them
individually afterwards along with the volumetric requirements for the glassware.
Furthermore, for the risk assessment, ask the class to discuss in their group’s, the potential
risks with the experiment, using their prior knowledge (PK) of the equipment. Afterwards,
they will present their answers to the class.
Finally, to attain the student’s attention request them to tilt their laptop screens, then provide
an explanation of the experiment procedure. Additionally, inform the students that the
method should have a similar format to a cooking procedure; it must be numbered and start
with a verb. After the explanation, ask the class individually to type the method in their own
words, but allow them to discuss in groups. Ensure to provide an example to start the method
and remind students to refer to the checklist at the bottom of the page for self-assessment and
emphasise students to submit handout 1 through google drive.
Activity 2- Numeracy (around 70 minutes)
The numeracy component will address the year 8 science curriculum requirement of being
able to create tables and graphs to illustrate the trends and relationships in assembled data
("Science", n.d.). This will focus on key areas under the National Numeracy Learning
Progression (NNLP), including interpreting and representing data and number patterns and
algebraic thinking with elements of quantifying numbers and measuring time (National
Numeracy Learning Progression, n.d.).
Before students conduct the experiment by following their methods, give out handout 2
(Appendix item 2). Verbally explain the difference between independent and dependent
variables. During the explanation students can refer to the table at the top of handout 2, where
the information is summarised, with the key differences in bold.
Now that the concepts are fresh in their minds, allow groups to discuss and determine the
independent and dependent variable be for the experiment. Ask the groups to express their
reasoning for their determination and correct their understanding to the appropriate units for
the variables. Moreover, now that they understand the variables, advance to explaining which
axis each variable would be noted on using a rough example on the board (look at image
below).
Furthermore, give the groups 30 minutes to conduct the experiment, using the method they
created in handout 1. The students are required to also be creating a table in handout 2 during
the experiment time to record their results. Check to confirm that each group is able to
correctly read the time on the stopwatch and are able to correctly read the decimal places off
the thermometer.
Finally, allow them around 20 minutes to complete the graph and answer the remaining
questions. Once they are done, discuss the answers to the questions with the class.
Conclusion
To finish up, ask the class “what would happen if ice was used instead of water in the
experiment?” This question will further their knowledge for the state of matter topic using
their funds of knowledge, that ice melts into water and water evaporates into gas. But this
process will take longer than just going from liquid to gas.
Analytical paper
Introduction
The literacy and numeracy activities aim to meet the year 8 science curriculum syllabus while
also meeting the NLLP and NNLP requirements. This segment of the paper will explore the
strengths and limitations of the planned activities in part 1.
1. Literacy
The literacy activity is a multiliteracy task as it requires students to type their answers on a
digital scientific report template. Since, it will be the student’s first experience in writing a
scientific report, the task is purposely broken down into sections, to ensure the students are
able to understand each component. The class will be divided into small groups of 3 or 4, this
will ensure the majority of students are able to engage in discussions with their group
members and will create a shared understanding of the task. This will allow the students to
address the NLLP requirement of being able to interact by discussing in small groups to share
their ideas and complete tasks (National Literacy Learning Progression, n.d.).
Thereafter, the class will then listen to the explanation of third person and its use in scientific
reports. This will allow students to meet the NLLP requirement of appropriate use of voice in
creating text (National Literacy Learning Progression, n.d.). The class will then type the title
of the report from the teacher’s dictation, which will address the NLLP requirement of being
able to respond to simple commands by typing words being dictated to them (National
Literacy Learning Progression, n.d.). After the students will need to listen to the teacher
explaining the textual requirements of starting the aim with ‘to.’ And then use their listening
and keyboarding skills again when typing the aim dictated by the teacher. This would be
addressing the NLLP requirement of teaching students to express their ideas appropriately to
the requirements of the task (National Literacy Learning Progression, n.d.).
Moreover, the class will use their listening skills again to listen to the explanation of what a
hypothesis is. The students in each group will address the NLLP requirement of being able to
engage in discussions within groups by verbally articulating their ideas when they
collaboratively discuss the hypothesis (National Literacy Learning Progression, n.d.).
Furthermore, the class will then identify equipment to be typed down in list format on the
handout, thus addressing the NLLP requirement of typing terms specific to scientific
vocabulary and format (National Literacy Learning Progression, n.d.).
The discussion of risk assessments requires students to use their PK of risks experienced
before. Since this section has been scaffolded, the NLLP focus addressed here is the use of
technical words to express cause and effect (National Literacy Learning Progression, n.d.).
Finally, the students will listen to the explanation of the method of the experiment. The
teacher will draw upon their PK of a procedure in cooking to explain the format for the
method, such as ensuring the method is numbered, with each step starting with a verb. Then,
the students will individually type the method using their own understanding but are allowed
to discuss in groups. This will allow the students to address the NLLP requirement of being
able to structure their ideas, using numeral keys to sequence their sentences, while also being
able to use basic verbs appropriate in creating text (National Literacy Learning Progression,
n.d.). The students will be reminded to refer to the checklist for self-assessment and
recollection of the requirements of a report before submitting the task online.
At the end of the literacy task students should be able to understand the structure and
requirements of a science report and be able to use technology to communicate scientific
understanding through creation of their creation of the report ("Science", n.d.).
1.1 Strength 1- Challenging nature of activity
The activity is broken down into sections of a scientific report where the requirements are
explained at each section, this benefits students in all backgrounds as the high challenge of
writing the report for the first time is equated to sufficient support. This would increase
academic outcomes as it would allow students to be at the zone of proximal development
(ZPD) because it encourages student thinking without reducing the cognitive demands of the
task (Gibbons, 2002; Muir, 2018). Therefore, the activity being challenging benefits students
as it is equated to high support allowing students to be at the ZPD.
Science has a distinctive language form and literacy practice from English (Gleeson &
Davison, 2019). Therefore, the activity challenges students to assimilate their PK of verbs
and third person voice from their English class into the scientific report. However, students
are supported with dealing with this challenge, as the task is broken down from simple to
complex tasks. This allows for explicit teaching of grammatical forms required in the report
and allows students to comprehend the metalanguage required for the task as they are
supported in assimilating the information into their existing schemas (Unsworth, 2002).
1.2 Strength 2- Multiliteracy
The activity is a multiliteracy task as it requires students to use technology to create a
scientific report. The use of technology would assist in teaching students about the structure
of a scientific report as it allows them to interact and manipulate the scientific report template
to suit the needs of their investigation. Thus, allowing the task to focus on understanding the
requirements of each section of the report rather than wasting cognitive resources in
multitasking between writing the report and trying to comprehend verbal explanations of the
grammatical forms required in each section. This incorporation of verbal and visual elements
for meaning making has been proven by Unsworth’s (2002) study to be effective as it allows
for equal student engagement by allowing them to comprehend, articulate and compose text.
For example, the risk section allows students to manipulate the text for greater
comprehension, as they are able to structure their answers under relevant columns in the
table. This might require the creation of more rows, which will develop their technological
skills while also preventing time wasted into creating a table on paper. Therefore, the
multiliteracy task allows for greater engagement and comprehension of the scientific report
by allowing the task to be within the student’s capacity.
1.3 Strength 3- Self-assessment
The students are provided with a checklist at the end of the task for self-assessment. This
would allow them to assess their work against identified requirements of each section before
submitting their work online. Dearnley and Meddings (2007) argue that self-assessment
empowers students by allowing for increased interaction between the teachers and assists in
developing reflective and critical awareness skills. Furthermore, Sullivan (2011) emphasises
that the use of prompts, such as checklists allows students experiencing difficulty in engaging
with the task to feel included in learning. Therefore, the inclusion of a checklist for self-
assessment allows for enhanced learning and achievement. Additionally, Shatri and Zabeli
(2018) highlight that self-assessment creates a positive environment where mistakes are
considered as advantageous to identify problematic areas which require more focus and
explanation. This would also allow the teacher to assess the student’s understanding against
the year 8 science curriculum requirement of being able to use technology to communicate
scientific understanding through creation of text types ("Science", n.d.).
1.4 Limitation 1- EAL students
Since the task focuses on verbal explanations, articulation of information through technology
and group discussions could prove difficult for EAL learners. This is because EAL students
struggle to learn through the English language and when learning about academic English
(Hammond, 2012). Since the task assumes all students are able to transform explained
concepts from spoken language into a typed format, this can become a disadvantage for EAL
students. As a result, this could cause EAL students to struggle to keep up with their English-
speaking peers as they are unable to accurately incorporate oral language into typed academic
English (Gibbons, 2002).
Furthermore, the task fails to consider EAL learners that come from an educational system
that emphasises independent over collaborative learning. This as a result, could prevent EAL
students from engaging in discussions in the class, as this ideology may be deeply embedded
(EAL/D teacher resource, 2014). Therefore, since the task requires students to discuss with
peers to come to a solution, this may cause EAL students to disengage with the task, due to
the difference in cultures. Thus, since the task fails to consider ingrained cultural ideologies
of independent learning, it may cause EAL students to be demotivated in the classroom as
they may feel unable to keep up with their English-speaking peers.
1.5 Limitation 2- Assumed universal experience
The activity assumes universal experiences of students and fails to acknowledge that
students’ experiences are individual and are a result of a student’s differing social, cultural
and linguistic backgrounds, which directly impact learning (Sellars, 2018). Furthermore,
Unsworth (1999) emphasises that the lack of experience with scientific reports and the
understanding of the grammatical requirements of creating reports may take long for students
to grasp the metalanguage required, despite the task being broken down. This may be because
Gibbons’ (2009) study highlights that some students especially EAL students write mainly in
recounts which primarily use first or second person voices. Therefore, they may struggle to
write the method due to lack of previous exposure into writing formative texts that require
third person voice (Gibbons, 2009). Additionally, Gleeson and Davison (2019) emphasise
that the metalanguage required for science may be difficult for all students to grasp easily due
to the “subject-specific nature of language and literacy requirement” (p. 303) of science.
Therefore, the task may require greater individualised assistance in ensuring proper
comprehension of the grammatical forms required in the report as students’ experiences are
not universal.
2. Numeracy
The numeracy activity utilises scaffolding and requires students to first listen to explanations
of independent and dependent variables. Then they are required to discuss with their groups
what the possible example of the variables would be from the experiment they will be doing,
ensuring they also mention appropriate units of measurement.
After they will listen to an explanation of which axis the variables would go on a graph and
note down the answer. This aims to relate it with their PK of graphing from maths in an xy
axis into a scientific context. Then they will be given time to conduct their experiment, this
will incorporate tactile mode of learning into their lesson. During the experiment, they will be
using a stopwatch and a thermometer. This will address the NNLP requirement of being able
to interpret time and display their understanding of decimal places, because the lines on the
thermometer represent decimals for accurate reading (National Numeracy Learning
Progression, n.d.).
Thereafter, they will then be graphing their results based on their designed table. This will be
addressing the NNLP requirement of being able to represent collected data through graphing
and being able to recognise that they are graphing continuous variables that represent change
of temperature over time (National Numeracy Learning Progression, n.d.).
Finally, they will then answer questions relating to their graphed results to test whether they
are able to meet the NNLP requirement of being able to interpret and represent data using a
multi-unit scale and being able to read between marked values (National Numeracy Learning
Progression, n.d.).
2.1 Strength 1- Scaffolding
The numeracy activity utilises scaffolding, as it transitions between model where the teacher
explains the variables, then guide when the teacher guides the discussions, to gradual release
when they tabulate and graph their results and then finally to independent when they discuss
answers amongst their group members and the answers are checked at the end (Collet, 2012).
This scaffolding allows the gradual development of the students’ data representation and
analysis skills through the construction of the knowledge of variables. Which is done by
enabling students to produce a table using their tabulated data. This is then analysed to allow
students to connect their numeracy skills with their content knowledge. Furthermore,
Gibbons (2002) argues that when teachers have high expectations and provide adequate
scaffolding, students are able to complete tasks successfully, as high expectations have
proven to result in high achievements regardless of background. Therefore, scaffolding
allows for students that lack fundamental year 7 scientific skills to be at the expected year 8
scientific skill level.
2.2 Strength 2- Prior knowledge
The numeracy task allows for students to be able to connect their PK from early high school
mathematics into a scientific context. For example, when the teacher explains which axis that
the variables are situated on a graph, this would relate to their PK of graphing from maths in
an xy axis into a scientific context. Thus, students can utilise their PK of representing data
through tables and graphs to do the part a and b of the activity. Additionally, this supports
Sullivan’s (2011) argument that building assessments based on students’ PK through
scaffolding encourages engagement and allows for assimilation of content into their existing
schemas. Furthermore, Muir (2018) argues that creating connections with PK allows for
greater comprehension of content. Therefore, this allows students to transition from their year
7 knowledge of recognising independent and dependent variables to being able to identify
and explain independent and dependent variables ("Science", n.d.).
2.3 Strength 3- Multimodality
The task utilises multimodal learning through the integration of oral, spatial and tactile
components through group discussions, representing data and conducting an experiment. The
activity requires students to utilise tactile modes when conducting the experiment in groups
before they can incorporate spatial modes when tabulating and graphing data. Sullivan (2011)
argues that utilising various modes would allow students to see the relevance of the task and
would result in promoting engagement. The task also incorporates oral modes as the students
discuss answers for problem solving. Gibbons (2002) highlights the importance of group
discussions in problem solving activities, as it is proven beneficial for cognitive development
and is pivotal for learning. Therefore, the use of multimodal learning promotes student
engagement as the relevance of the task is made clear and allows for greater comprehension
through collaboration.
2.4 Limitation 1- High achievers (HA)
Through scaffolding, the task ensures through scaffolding that all students, regardless of
background, are able to improve academically as it ensures students that lack fundamental
year 7 scientific skills to be at the expected year 8 scientific skill level. However, as noted in
part 1, only some students seemed unable to differentiate between independent and dependent
variables. Therefore, the task would not be challenging and might be too easy for HA
students that already have fundamental year 7 scientific skills and are able to tabulate and
graph. Gibbons (2002) argues tasks need to be challenging in order to ensure student
engagement. Therefore, HA students may feel disengaged as they may find the task simple.
Hence, HA students should be supplied with a differentiated task that is challenging and
would further their existing knowledge (Gibbons, 2002). Sullivan (2011) suggests giving
extra challenging exercises for students that finish the task early and giving them the option
to individually complete the task, which will ensure engagement. Therefore, the task fails to
consider and may cause HA students that already have fundamental year 7 scientific skills to
disengage in the lesson as it focuses on students that lack fundamental skills.
2.5 Limitation 2- Individual assessment
Since the task allows students to collaboratively problem solve, this may cause issues for the
teacher to assess individual numeracy skills. Sullivan (2011) argues it is fundamental for
teachers to be able to assess individual strengths and weaknesses to be able to ensure tasks
are suited to their needs. Olivera and Straus (2004) further argues that group activities
sometimes do not equate to positive individual performance and does not affirm
comprehension of content as all members may not actively interact. Therefore, the task
requiring group collaboration may be problematic as it is difficult to be able to assess
individual performance and understanding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these strengths highlight the key focuses in the activities that promote learning
and the limitations mention areas that require attention and improvement.
Appendix
Handout 1 (For Literacy Task) – Appendix item 1
Title:
______________________________________________________________________________________
Aim: What is the purpose of the experiment?
______________________________________________________________________________________
Hypothesis: What do you think will happen in the experiment?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Equipment:
Risk assessment:
What is the risk? What can the risk do? How to prevent the risk?
Fire
Glassware
Method:
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Checklist:
□ Every sentence is in third person
(There is no “you,” “I,” and “we” in the report)
□ The answer for aim starts with “To”
□ Include volume of glassware equipment
□ Method is numbered, e.g. 1)____ 2)____
□ Sentences in method start with a verb (action
words)
Appendix
Handout 2 (For Numeracy Task) – Appendix item 2
Variable Independent variable Dependent variable
Explanation of
variable
What are you changing in the
experiment?
What are you measuring in the
experiment?
State variable from
experiment with units
Axis on graph
(x or y)
a) Draw a table of your results below:
b) Draw a graph on the grid below, using the results recorded in part c.
1) What is the relationship shown on the graph?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
2) What would the temperature increase of water be from 2- 5 minutes?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
3) Describe what happens to the graph once the water reaches its boiling point (around 100°C)?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
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learning-progressions/
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Collet, V. (2012). The Gradual Increase of Responsibility Model: Coaching for Teacher
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Language And Literacy, 25(1), 62-77.
Introduction
This lesson plan will be focused on Science and will be conducted in a comprehensive, co-
educational school in Western Sydney. The Western Sydney region has a linguistically and
culturally diverse population, which is reflected in the demographic of the year 8 science
classroom. The class consists of 22 students, with some students having the characteristic of
English as a Second Language (EAL). The class is currently up to learning about “using the
particle model to explain observed phenomena linking the energy of the particles to
temperature changes,” which is under the ‘different states of matter’ topic ("Science", n.d.).
The results of their previous assessment highlighted gaps in their knowledge of year 7
scientific skills as some students were unable to differentiate between independent and
dependent variables. Therefore, this lesson will also build upon their fundamental scientific
skills from year 7, in both literacy and numeracy aspects.
Lesson plan
In this lesson plan, the students will be focusing on how water is able to change from liquid
to gas, when energy is gained through heating. This lesson will be divided into the literacy
and numeracy components and will be conducted in their 2-hour lesson on Thursday, since
the lesson plan includes an experiment of boiling water.
Activity 1- Literacy (around 50 minutes)
The literacy component of this lesson plan will address the year 8 science curriculum
requirement of being able to use technology to communicate scientific understanding through
creation of text types ("Science", n.d.). This will focus on key areas under the National
Literacy Learning Progressions (NLLP) such as creating texts, listening, interaction and
keyboarding, with some elements of speaking and grammar (National Literacy Learning
Progression, n.d.).
To start the lesson, do a revision of the particle theory by using the simplified diagram that
will be projected onto the board (look at image below). Then, provide an overview of today’s
lesson, the first half of the lesson they will produce part of a scientific report, then in the
second half, they will complete their experiment where the results will be tabulated and
graphed.
Additionally, divide the class into groups of 3 or 4, these groups will remain the same for the
rest of the lesson. Then ask them the group to discuss what they think the structure of a
scientific report is. Then draw on the white board the structure of a scientific report as a
flowchart (look at the image below).
After understanding the structure of the scientific report, allow the class to access their
handout 1 (appendix item 1) from google classroom. Instruct them to type the title, ‘boiling
water experiment.’ Then, proceed to explain that boiling water is the act of water turning into
gas. Which will transition into the aim of the scientific report, make sure to explain that the
sentence must start with ‘to,’ and must also type in third person. Additionally, explain what
third person is with examples. Then dictate that the purpose of the assignment is ‘to
determine the boiling point of water.’
Afterwards, for the hypothesis section, first explain what it is. Then, ask them to discuss in
their groups what their prediction for the experiment will be. If they struggle, provide them
an example that the water could possibly boil at 80°C. They will then express their answers to
the class.
For the equipment section ask them to type up the equipment they see set up at the front of
the classroom. To ensure they typed up the correct names for the equipment, identify them
individually afterwards along with the volumetric requirements for the glassware.
Furthermore, for the risk assessment, ask the class to discuss in their group’s, the potential
risks with the experiment, using their prior knowledge (PK) of the equipment. Afterwards,
they will present their answers to the class.
Finally, to attain the student’s attention request them to tilt their laptop screens, then provide
an explanation of the experiment procedure. Additionally, inform the students that the
method should have a similar format to a cooking procedure; it must be numbered and start
with a verb. After the explanation, ask the class individually to type the method in their own
words, but allow them to discuss in groups. Ensure to provide an example to start the method
and remind students to refer to the checklist at the bottom of the page for self-assessment and
emphasise students to submit handout 1 through google drive.
Activity 2- Numeracy (around 70 minutes)
The numeracy component will address the year 8 science curriculum requirement of being
able to create tables and graphs to illustrate the trends and relationships in assembled data
("Science", n.d.). This will focus on key areas under the National Numeracy Learning
Progression (NNLP), including interpreting and representing data and number patterns and
algebraic thinking with elements of quantifying numbers and measuring time (National
Numeracy Learning Progression, n.d.).
Before students conduct the experiment by following their methods, give out handout 2
(Appendix item 2). Verbally explain the difference between independent and dependent
variables. During the explanation students can refer to the table at the top of handout 2, where
the information is summarised, with the key differences in bold.
Now that the concepts are fresh in their minds, allow groups to discuss and determine the
independent and dependent variable be for the experiment. Ask the groups to express their
reasoning for their determination and correct their understanding to the appropriate units for
the variables. Moreover, now that they understand the variables, advance to explaining which
axis each variable would be noted on using a rough example on the board (look at image
below).
Furthermore, give the groups 30 minutes to conduct the experiment, using the method they
created in handout 1. The students are required to also be creating a table in handout 2 during
the experiment time to record their results. Check to confirm that each group is able to
correctly read the time on the stopwatch and are able to correctly read the decimal places off
the thermometer.
Finally, allow them around 20 minutes to complete the graph and answer the remaining
questions. Once they are done, discuss the answers to the questions with the class.
Conclusion
To finish up, ask the class “what would happen if ice was used instead of water in the
experiment?” This question will further their knowledge for the state of matter topic using
their funds of knowledge, that ice melts into water and water evaporates into gas. But this
process will take longer than just going from liquid to gas.
Analytical paper
Introduction
The literacy and numeracy activities aim to meet the year 8 science curriculum syllabus while
also meeting the NLLP and NNLP requirements. This segment of the paper will explore the
strengths and limitations of the planned activities in part 1.
1. Literacy
The literacy activity is a multiliteracy task as it requires students to type their answers on a
digital scientific report template. Since, it will be the student’s first experience in writing a
scientific report, the task is purposely broken down into sections, to ensure the students are
able to understand each component. The class will be divided into small groups of 3 or 4, this
will ensure the majority of students are able to engage in discussions with their group
members and will create a shared understanding of the task. This will allow the students to
address the NLLP requirement of being able to interact by discussing in small groups to share
their ideas and complete tasks (National Literacy Learning Progression, n.d.).
Thereafter, the class will then listen to the explanation of third person and its use in scientific
reports. This will allow students to meet the NLLP requirement of appropriate use of voice in
creating text (National Literacy Learning Progression, n.d.). The class will then type the title
of the report from the teacher’s dictation, which will address the NLLP requirement of being
able to respond to simple commands by typing words being dictated to them (National
Literacy Learning Progression, n.d.). After the students will need to listen to the teacher
explaining the textual requirements of starting the aim with ‘to.’ And then use their listening
and keyboarding skills again when typing the aim dictated by the teacher. This would be
addressing the NLLP requirement of teaching students to express their ideas appropriately to
the requirements of the task (National Literacy Learning Progression, n.d.).
Moreover, the class will use their listening skills again to listen to the explanation of what a
hypothesis is. The students in each group will address the NLLP requirement of being able to
engage in discussions within groups by verbally articulating their ideas when they
collaboratively discuss the hypothesis (National Literacy Learning Progression, n.d.).
Furthermore, the class will then identify equipment to be typed down in list format on the
handout, thus addressing the NLLP requirement of typing terms specific to scientific
vocabulary and format (National Literacy Learning Progression, n.d.).
The discussion of risk assessments requires students to use their PK of risks experienced
before. Since this section has been scaffolded, the NLLP focus addressed here is the use of
technical words to express cause and effect (National Literacy Learning Progression, n.d.).
Finally, the students will listen to the explanation of the method of the experiment. The
teacher will draw upon their PK of a procedure in cooking to explain the format for the
method, such as ensuring the method is numbered, with each step starting with a verb. Then,
the students will individually type the method using their own understanding but are allowed
to discuss in groups. This will allow the students to address the NLLP requirement of being
able to structure their ideas, using numeral keys to sequence their sentences, while also being
able to use basic verbs appropriate in creating text (National Literacy Learning Progression,
n.d.). The students will be reminded to refer to the checklist for self-assessment and
recollection of the requirements of a report before submitting the task online.
At the end of the literacy task students should be able to understand the structure and
requirements of a science report and be able to use technology to communicate scientific
understanding through creation of their creation of the report ("Science", n.d.).
1.1 Strength 1- Challenging nature of activity
The activity is broken down into sections of a scientific report where the requirements are
explained at each section, this benefits students in all backgrounds as the high challenge of
writing the report for the first time is equated to sufficient support. This would increase
academic outcomes as it would allow students to be at the zone of proximal development
(ZPD) because it encourages student thinking without reducing the cognitive demands of the
task (Gibbons, 2002; Muir, 2018). Therefore, the activity being challenging benefits students
as it is equated to high support allowing students to be at the ZPD.
Science has a distinctive language form and literacy practice from English (Gleeson &
Davison, 2019). Therefore, the activity challenges students to assimilate their PK of verbs
and third person voice from their English class into the scientific report. However, students
are supported with dealing with this challenge, as the task is broken down from simple to
complex tasks. This allows for explicit teaching of grammatical forms required in the report
and allows students to comprehend the metalanguage required for the task as they are
supported in assimilating the information into their existing schemas (Unsworth, 2002).
1.2 Strength 2- Multiliteracy
The activity is a multiliteracy task as it requires students to use technology to create a
scientific report. The use of technology would assist in teaching students about the structure
of a scientific report as it allows them to interact and manipulate the scientific report template
to suit the needs of their investigation. Thus, allowing the task to focus on understanding the
requirements of each section of the report rather than wasting cognitive resources in
multitasking between writing the report and trying to comprehend verbal explanations of the
grammatical forms required in each section. This incorporation of verbal and visual elements
for meaning making has been proven by Unsworth’s (2002) study to be effective as it allows
for equal student engagement by allowing them to comprehend, articulate and compose text.
For example, the risk section allows students to manipulate the text for greater
comprehension, as they are able to structure their answers under relevant columns in the
table. This might require the creation of more rows, which will develop their technological
skills while also preventing time wasted into creating a table on paper. Therefore, the
multiliteracy task allows for greater engagement and comprehension of the scientific report
by allowing the task to be within the student’s capacity.
1.3 Strength 3- Self-assessment
The students are provided with a checklist at the end of the task for self-assessment. This
would allow them to assess their work against identified requirements of each section before
submitting their work online. Dearnley and Meddings (2007) argue that self-assessment
empowers students by allowing for increased interaction between the teachers and assists in
developing reflective and critical awareness skills. Furthermore, Sullivan (2011) emphasises
that the use of prompts, such as checklists allows students experiencing difficulty in engaging
with the task to feel included in learning. Therefore, the inclusion of a checklist for self-
assessment allows for enhanced learning and achievement. Additionally, Shatri and Zabeli
(2018) highlight that self-assessment creates a positive environment where mistakes are
considered as advantageous to identify problematic areas which require more focus and
explanation. This would also allow the teacher to assess the student’s understanding against
the year 8 science curriculum requirement of being able to use technology to communicate
scientific understanding through creation of text types ("Science", n.d.).
1.4 Limitation 1- EAL students
Since the task focuses on verbal explanations, articulation of information through technology
and group discussions could prove difficult for EAL learners. This is because EAL students
struggle to learn through the English language and when learning about academic English
(Hammond, 2012). Since the task assumes all students are able to transform explained
concepts from spoken language into a typed format, this can become a disadvantage for EAL
students. As a result, this could cause EAL students to struggle to keep up with their English-
speaking peers as they are unable to accurately incorporate oral language into typed academic
English (Gibbons, 2002).
Furthermore, the task fails to consider EAL learners that come from an educational system
that emphasises independent over collaborative learning. This as a result, could prevent EAL
students from engaging in discussions in the class, as this ideology may be deeply embedded
(EAL/D teacher resource, 2014). Therefore, since the task requires students to discuss with
peers to come to a solution, this may cause EAL students to disengage with the task, due to
the difference in cultures. Thus, since the task fails to consider ingrained cultural ideologies
of independent learning, it may cause EAL students to be demotivated in the classroom as
they may feel unable to keep up with their English-speaking peers.
1.5 Limitation 2- Assumed universal experience
The activity assumes universal experiences of students and fails to acknowledge that
students’ experiences are individual and are a result of a student’s differing social, cultural
and linguistic backgrounds, which directly impact learning (Sellars, 2018). Furthermore,
Unsworth (1999) emphasises that the lack of experience with scientific reports and the
understanding of the grammatical requirements of creating reports may take long for students
to grasp the metalanguage required, despite the task being broken down. This may be because
Gibbons’ (2009) study highlights that some students especially EAL students write mainly in
recounts which primarily use first or second person voices. Therefore, they may struggle to
write the method due to lack of previous exposure into writing formative texts that require
third person voice (Gibbons, 2009). Additionally, Gleeson and Davison (2019) emphasise
that the metalanguage required for science may be difficult for all students to grasp easily due
to the “subject-specific nature of language and literacy requirement” (p. 303) of science.
Therefore, the task may require greater individualised assistance in ensuring proper
comprehension of the grammatical forms required in the report as students’ experiences are
not universal.
2. Numeracy
The numeracy activity utilises scaffolding and requires students to first listen to explanations
of independent and dependent variables. Then they are required to discuss with their groups
what the possible example of the variables would be from the experiment they will be doing,
ensuring they also mention appropriate units of measurement.
After they will listen to an explanation of which axis the variables would go on a graph and
note down the answer. This aims to relate it with their PK of graphing from maths in an xy
axis into a scientific context. Then they will be given time to conduct their experiment, this
will incorporate tactile mode of learning into their lesson. During the experiment, they will be
using a stopwatch and a thermometer. This will address the NNLP requirement of being able
to interpret time and display their understanding of decimal places, because the lines on the
thermometer represent decimals for accurate reading (National Numeracy Learning
Progression, n.d.).
Thereafter, they will then be graphing their results based on their designed table. This will be
addressing the NNLP requirement of being able to represent collected data through graphing
and being able to recognise that they are graphing continuous variables that represent change
of temperature over time (National Numeracy Learning Progression, n.d.).
Finally, they will then answer questions relating to their graphed results to test whether they
are able to meet the NNLP requirement of being able to interpret and represent data using a
multi-unit scale and being able to read between marked values (National Numeracy Learning
Progression, n.d.).
2.1 Strength 1- Scaffolding
The numeracy activity utilises scaffolding, as it transitions between model where the teacher
explains the variables, then guide when the teacher guides the discussions, to gradual release
when they tabulate and graph their results and then finally to independent when they discuss
answers amongst their group members and the answers are checked at the end (Collet, 2012).
This scaffolding allows the gradual development of the students’ data representation and
analysis skills through the construction of the knowledge of variables. Which is done by
enabling students to produce a table using their tabulated data. This is then analysed to allow
students to connect their numeracy skills with their content knowledge. Furthermore,
Gibbons (2002) argues that when teachers have high expectations and provide adequate
scaffolding, students are able to complete tasks successfully, as high expectations have
proven to result in high achievements regardless of background. Therefore, scaffolding
allows for students that lack fundamental year 7 scientific skills to be at the expected year 8
scientific skill level.
2.2 Strength 2- Prior knowledge
The numeracy task allows for students to be able to connect their PK from early high school
mathematics into a scientific context. For example, when the teacher explains which axis that
the variables are situated on a graph, this would relate to their PK of graphing from maths in
an xy axis into a scientific context. Thus, students can utilise their PK of representing data
through tables and graphs to do the part a and b of the activity. Additionally, this supports
Sullivan’s (2011) argument that building assessments based on students’ PK through
scaffolding encourages engagement and allows for assimilation of content into their existing
schemas. Furthermore, Muir (2018) argues that creating connections with PK allows for
greater comprehension of content. Therefore, this allows students to transition from their year
7 knowledge of recognising independent and dependent variables to being able to identify
and explain independent and dependent variables ("Science", n.d.).
2.3 Strength 3- Multimodality
The task utilises multimodal learning through the integration of oral, spatial and tactile
components through group discussions, representing data and conducting an experiment. The
activity requires students to utilise tactile modes when conducting the experiment in groups
before they can incorporate spatial modes when tabulating and graphing data. Sullivan (2011)
argues that utilising various modes would allow students to see the relevance of the task and
would result in promoting engagement. The task also incorporates oral modes as the students
discuss answers for problem solving. Gibbons (2002) highlights the importance of group
discussions in problem solving activities, as it is proven beneficial for cognitive development
and is pivotal for learning. Therefore, the use of multimodal learning promotes student
engagement as the relevance of the task is made clear and allows for greater comprehension
through collaboration.
2.4 Limitation 1- High achievers (HA)
Through scaffolding, the task ensures through scaffolding that all students, regardless of
background, are able to improve academically as it ensures students that lack fundamental
year 7 scientific skills to be at the expected year 8 scientific skill level. However, as noted in
part 1, only some students seemed unable to differentiate between independent and dependent
variables. Therefore, the task would not be challenging and might be too easy for HA
students that already have fundamental year 7 scientific skills and are able to tabulate and
graph. Gibbons (2002) argues tasks need to be challenging in order to ensure student
engagement. Therefore, HA students may feel disengaged as they may find the task simple.
Hence, HA students should be supplied with a differentiated task that is challenging and
would further their existing knowledge (Gibbons, 2002). Sullivan (2011) suggests giving
extra challenging exercises for students that finish the task early and giving them the option
to individually complete the task, which will ensure engagement. Therefore, the task fails to
consider and may cause HA students that already have fundamental year 7 scientific skills to
disengage in the lesson as it focuses on students that lack fundamental skills.
2.5 Limitation 2- Individual assessment
Since the task allows students to collaboratively problem solve, this may cause issues for the
teacher to assess individual numeracy skills. Sullivan (2011) argues it is fundamental for
teachers to be able to assess individual strengths and weaknesses to be able to ensure tasks
are suited to their needs. Olivera and Straus (2004) further argues that group activities
sometimes do not equate to positive individual performance and does not affirm
comprehension of content as all members may not actively interact. Therefore, the task
requiring group collaboration may be problematic as it is difficult to be able to assess
individual performance and understanding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these strengths highlight the key focuses in the activities that promote learning
and the limitations mention areas that require attention and improvement.
Appendix
Handout 1 (For Literacy Task) – Appendix item 1
Title:
______________________________________________________________________________________
Aim: What is the purpose of the experiment?
______________________________________________________________________________________
Hypothesis: What do you think will happen in the experiment?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Equipment:
Risk assessment:
What is the risk? What can the risk do? How to prevent the risk?
Fire
Glassware
Method:
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Checklist:
□ Every sentence is in third person
(There is no “you,” “I,” and “we” in the report)
□ The answer for aim starts with “To”
□ Include volume of glassware equipment
□ Method is numbered, e.g. 1)____ 2)____
□ Sentences in method start with a verb (action
words)
Appendix
Handout 2 (For Numeracy Task) – Appendix item 2
Variable Independent variable Dependent variable
Explanation of
variable
What are you changing in the
experiment?
What are you measuring in the
experiment?
State variable from
experiment with units
Axis on graph
(x or y)
a) Draw a table of your results below:
b) Draw a graph on the grid below, using the results recorded in part c.
1) What is the relationship shown on the graph?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
2) What would the temperature increase of water be from 2- 5 minutes?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
3) Describe what happens to the graph once the water reaches its boiling point (around 100°C)?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
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