1.

Critical research review

Due date for completion: Week 4: Friday 26 March 2021, 11pm.

Submission instructions:

Assignments must be uploaded to Canvas by 5pm on the due date.

Detail:

1. Critically discuss 'Representation Construction Approach' as effective pedagogy for teaching both
science (content and skills) at the primary level. Assess limitations and challenges associated with the
implementation of the approach in K-6 by generalist primary teachers.
2. Support your discussion with references from the academic and research literature.
Assessment criteria:
The extent to which the following is demonstrated:
• awareness of research into factors contributing to effective science and technology pedagogy.
• critical review of issues raised in the academic and research literature about science and
technology education
• knowledge of central scientific concepts and skills appropriate for students at the primary
level.
Advice on how to do this assessment task well (optional)
Factors to consider in your discussion:
• provision of meaningful learning experiences and developmentally appropriate activities;
• identification of key ideas and development of deep understanding of concepts;
• strategic selection of representational challenges, and sequencing of learning tasks;
• appropriate teaching strategies, e.g. dialogical discussion; content knowledge and confidence;
• resource provision and management, classroom management and safety.
• practical tasks issues about space, resources, timing, organisation, management and safety.
Commented [CP1]: A critical discussion takes an
evaluative stance, don’t just accept what you read, think
about it and decide if you agree or disagree with
statements made. When reviewing research consider the
aims, methods, and evidence put forward.
Commented [CP2]: Outline the approach without
restating what has been presented to you in class. Make
clear your understanding of ‘representations’.
Commented [CP3]: What is it that makes this approach
effective from teaching and learning perspectives? Are
claims substantiated or overstated in research?
Commented [CP4]: Comment on the average teacher’s
ability to implement this approach. What would they need
to know or do?
Commented [CP5]: There are lots of references to the
RCA in the text, go beyond these to journal articles and
book chapters. I would expect that a HD essay would
branch from the text and include the article provided, plus
another 8 or so references.
Commented [CP6]: OK to use first person language and
refer to your experience of activities done in class.
Need to discuss the following aspects comprehensively to
get a HD.
Commented [CP7]: This is important

1200 words (1000-1400 range) Commented [CP8]: Note the range, this needs to be a
concise piece of work.