Graduate Research Papers
Availability
Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Abstract
Urban science education programs have a plethora of problems associated with them. These include, but are not limited to: a shortage of qualified teachers, declining infrastructure, limited resources, and lack of student interest. Along with these problems, a significant number of students attending urban schools are at-risk of dropping out of school. These students tend to come from low socioeconomic households, they speak English as a second language, and/or they are already low-performing students. Each of these factors places a student at risk of failing. Research studies focusing on improving academic success in inner-city science programs were read and analyzed to determine the most appropriate methods for successfully educating at-risk students in these settings. Science teaching methods that have been shown to increase standardized test scores and expand understanding of material for at-risk students in urban settings include: providing inquiry-based lessons, using students' perspectives to guide instruction, and gaining students' respect. However, improving urban science education programs can only occur when systemic reform efforts are also initiated. Some techniques employed by high achieving urban schools to cultivate systemic reform include using student data to drive instruction, developing intervention programs for at-risk students, allowing teachers to collaborate, and holding a firm belief that low-performing schools can become high performing. Using effective systemic reform practices, urban science educators can begin to develop school wide changes that will directly improve science performances. Without system wide changes and the use of effective teaching methods, urban science programs are destined to continue on their low-performing path.
Year of Submission
2013
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Education
Department
Science Education Program
First Advisor
Jody Stone
Date Original
2013
Object Description
1 PDF file (v, 57 pages)
Copyright
©2013 Devin Bryce Yeoman
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Yeoman, Devin Bryce, "Science Teaching Methods That Work With At-Risk Students in an Urban Setting" (2013). Graduate Research Papers. 4628.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/grp/4628
Comments
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