We are hosting a summer Modeling Instruction workshop in conjunction with the American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA), at Laurel School (Shaker Heights, OH).
Not from the Cleveland area? Looking for accommodations? Or things to do?
Modeling Biology
Instructors: Chris Resch (Montgomery Township School, NJ)
- July 6th – July 17th : 9am -4pm
EARLY BIRD FEE by Feb 29th: $650.
FEE EXPECTED AFTER Feb 29th $750.
Questions? Not sure if this is for you? Contact us!
There are no prerequisites for this course. Graduate level credits available for purchase from University of Pacific
This workshop will explore a teaching method known as Modeling Instruction™ and how it can improve and deepen your students’ understanding of crucial concepts in biology, and help you effectively implement a student-centered and NGSS-aligned approach to science education. Interested in learning how to raise the level of student discourse and reflection in your class? Are you tired of using grades as a motivating factor for promoting engagement? Want to learn some key strategies for getting students of all ability levels interested and engaged in your biology lessons? If the answer is yes, then join us for this workshop!
During this session, teachers will engage in thought-provoking, pertinent experiments that you can utilize in your own classroom. As a participant, you will spend time observing instruction from the point of view of a student (“student-mode”), a key component in reinforcing the connections between content and pedagogical knowledge. Participants will learn strategies to incorporate in their own classroom using the claim, evidence, reasoning framework as a tool to probe student preconceptions and misconceptions. Periodically, participants will switch to “teacher-mode”, to practice Socratic questioning techniques, analyze readings, and discuss the pedagogical rationale for all aspects of Modeling InstructionTM in Biology. We’ll also discuss strategies for accommodating district specific curricular requirements, various student populations, laboratory resources, and the use of “Reflective Checklists” as a way of promoting student reflection throughout a unit.
Whether you are an experienced teacher, or new to the teaching profession you will feel excited and motivated for your upcoming school year after participating in this highly immersive and collaborative workshop. You will observe how this engaging approach promotes student- centered sense making, confidence, and appreciation for the nature of science. So if you’re a high school biology teacher wanting to learn some great activities to invigorate your teaching practices or a teacher wanting to learn some notable strategies to improve student discourse then this is the workshop for you.
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will gain online access to all the units and activities presented. Participants will also get a free one year membership to the American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA) which will give you online access to a plethora of other science resources for you and your students to enjoy.