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Consensus Modeling As A Cultural Practice: A Case Study From A Seventh-Grade Science Classroom, Sara Louise Miconi Gailey

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Recent reforms in science education aim to involve K-12 students in practices similar to those of professional scientists. These reforms promote student collaboration and science practices including developing models and engaging in scientific argumentation with evidence. Small group work in science classrooms has increased following the reforms. However, while small group collaboration has gained popularity, research suggests that it does not always lead to equitable participation. This qualitative case study uses discourse analysis to examine how two small groups of students in a seventh-grade science class develop consensus models of a phenomenon and how students are socialized to participate in …