Massey

University, Institute of Education

January, 2016

Junior Science Differentiated

Teaching & Learning Research Update 1
Phase 1 Results Summary

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MAIN FINDINGS
1. Shared Perceptions
Teachers & students voiced similar perspectives
on the majority of survey questions regarding
classroom happenings

2. Greater relevance needed!

All stakeholders agree that it is unrealistic to cater to
each child every day; however, students and whnau
resoundingly agree that greater relevance of material
learnt to everyday life, community and cultural
context, as well as skills needed for students future
NCEA studies and career (i.e. differentiation in
content).

3. More choice & practical please!

Teachers Response: Summer 2016

Students and whnau called for greater variety in how

content is learnt (differentiation in process/product);
students of both genders and year groups both voiced
their enjoyment of practical work and a desire for
real experimentation, not just the demonstration
type.

Year 9 and 10 science teachers met over the summer

to map out a curriculum committed to increasing

relevance, choice, hands-on opportunities, and pre-
4. Pre-Post Assessment crucial to
post assessment. This including working with the
maximise growth
Maths department to facilitate greater integration
Assessing and responding to
of maths/science skills such as graphing, statistical
students pre-existing knowledge
analysis etc. The first of these integrated units will
and interests is viewed as an
be implemented in term one and focuses on human
essential learning strategy by all
body systems. If you or your child has expertise in
students and whnau, but
this area that youre willing to share, please get in
especially those talented in the sciences
touch!

Other Changes in 2016

Year 9/10 science classes will be
combined and streamed based on
previous science and maths
achievement. Differentiation will still
occur in all classes, but the top stream
will be held to a more rigorous
academic standard.

Whats next?

Want to know more?

Teachers will implement the first

revised Year9/10 unit in Term 1, 2016.
Focus group students will have the
opportunity to share feedback to
teachers both during (about halfway)
and after the implantation. W atch
for whnau focus group invitations in
March and April!

In depth Phase 1 results, a preview

of the 2016 Year 9/10 science &
maths unit overview, and ongoing
research developments are available
on the research website
sweetasscience.weebly.com or
through contacting Ms. V. directly at
cvanderzwaag@gmail.com.