Re: World's noise

[Joseph Bellina <jbellina@SAINTMARYS.EDU>]

As I understand it, the Michigan MEAP test does indeed ask questions
that are framed by inquiry.  Indiana is currently planning its ISTEP
test in science, but I have not been able to get a handle on whether it
will be the sort of thing you have sadly described, or whether it will
look more like the MIchigan one.
Folks from Michigan or other states want to comment on the form of the
standard tests in their states.  John is right on...if we are going to
move towards inquiry, the test has to move with it.
This is a catch 22 not unlike the circle of reluctant that includes the
MCAT folks (although they are getting better) and the textbook
publishers, some of whom are at least trying to move...for example the
Serway Beichner combo, and the Halliday....Cummmings matchup.  And of
course Randall Knight's text.  I expect I left lots out...I really
didn't intend to get into making a complete list, although that might be
an interesting thing to do.

cheers

joe

On Sat, 8 Sep 2001, John Clement wrote:

> Perhaps this problem can be put into perspective by the recent article in
> Physics Today "Two Revolutions in K-8 Science Education". On page 45 they
> mention that "A number of studies, though, have demonstrated that, before
> the fifth grade, students generally have difficulty understanding a round
> Earth".  Here is the crux of the difficulty.  Since practically all 6th
> graders are concrete thinkers, they will have much difficulty with astronomy
> results, including the idea of a rotating earth.  I think Fourier analysis
> of sounds measured by microphones may be a tall order.  However developing
> simple ideas using familiar examples is a resonable approach.
>
> It is indeed unfortunate that this article will not be read by the majority
> of HS teachers as most do not subscribe to TPT, and so will not get this
> article.  I would also like to point out that they recommend aligning the
> state tests to the goal of using inquiry.  Unfortuantely this is extremely
> unlikely to happen.  Instead the state tests will in general rely on fact
> based tests.  As a result, the problem of getting through the tests will
> make most teachers use rote memorization rather than inquiry.  The history
> in Texas has been dreadful with respect to the high stakes testing.  I would
> rather have no science rather than poorly digested fact based science that
> fosters worse misconceptions.
>
> John Clement
> Houston, TX

Joseph J. Bellina, Jr.               219-284-4662
Associate Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556