ERIC Number: EJ1283311
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Dec
Pages: 27
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0013-5984
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
"Because the Sun Is Really Not That Big": An Exploration of Fourth Graders Tasked with Arguing from Evidence
Hunt, Ashley; Rimm-Kaufman, Sara E.; Merritt, Eileen G.; Bowers, Nicole
Elementary School Journal, v121 n2 p256-282 Dec 2020
Little is known about the integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) with science instruction. We used a sequential mixed-methods design to examine (1) how fourth graders use argumentation practices and social gestures in science class and (2) how argumentation practices and social gestures differ between intervention and comparison classrooms. Intervention classrooms implemented Connect Science. Fourteen student conversations in seven classrooms were coded for argumentation practices (i.e., claims, evidence, and questions) and social gestures (i.e., agreement, disagreement, assertive speech, and prosocial speech). Across all classrooms, science conversations were most productive when students used social gestures to support use of argumentation practices. Without social gestures, conversations were disconnected or highly assertive. Proportionally, Connect Science students discussed science content more and discussed logistics less than comparison students. Findings include recommendations for conditions (i.e., SEL instruction, science reference materials, and time) to enhance scientific discourse and argumentation in elementary school classrooms.
Descriptors: Social Emotional Learning, Science Instruction, Persuasive Discourse, Elementary School Students, Grade 4, Nonverbal Communication, Classroom Communication
University of Chicago Press. Journals Division, P.O. Box 37005, Chicago, IL 60637. Tel: 877-705-1878; Tel: 773-753-3347; Fax: 877-705-1879; Fax: 773-753-0811; e-mail: subscriptions@press.uchicago.edu; Web site: http://www.press.uchicago.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Author Affiliations: N/A