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| Videodisc Instruction in Core Science Concepts. An instructional system utilizing videodisc technology to enhance science teachers' capacity to reach diverse learners. |
Audience Approved by PEP for students in grades 5-12, including special education and Chapter 1.
Description With the aid of a videodisc player, a teacher engages students in stimulating discussion, demonstrations, and individual work to learn challenging earth science and chemistry content. Teachers closely monitor student learning and reteach concepts to students needing additional direct instruction. The program is built around three major strategies: (1) maximizing learning time for the most important subject matter; (2) intensive student involvement in learning coupled with close monitoring of student progress and adaptation of teaching to prevent student failure; and (3) pedagogy and content organization stressing important, generalizable concepts and problem-solving strategies applicable to all students.
Evidence of Effectiveness Students of diverse ability levels enrolled in the Videodisc Instruction in Core Science Concepts program achieved comparable gains in knowledge of core chemistry concepts to gains made by students in an Advanced Placement chemistry course. Students of diverse ability levels enrolled in the Videodisc program achieved substantially greater earth science knowledge, generalization, and problem-solving skills than did students in a traditional earth science course.
Requirements An initial two-hour training for teachers is required, along with a follow-up visit with the teacher using the curriculum within two weeks after initial training. Schools must purchase a videodisc player, videodiscs for the "Earth Science" and "Understanding Chemistry and Energy" programs, teachers' manuals, student workbooks, release of copyrights to allow reproduction of the student workbooks, and staff development videotapes.
Costs Approximately $5,000 per building.
Services Training, videodisc programs, student workbooks, and teacher training materials are available.
Developmental Funding: USDE, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, state, local, and other sources.
PEP No. 92-9 (3/26/93)
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