Mount San Antonio College, Walnut, CA Strategies for addressing misconceptions in introductory geoscience courses Becca Walker Mount San Antonio College, Walnut, CA
Courses I teach My student population Vast majority: Non-science majors Taking course for GE transfer requirement Many: Have saved science and math courses for the end Did not take Earth science in high school Preservice teachers A handful: Intended geology major/minor Take multiple courses in our department Earth science lecture/lab Oceanography lecture/lab Physical geology lecture/lab Field studies lecture/lab Natural disasters
Challenges Identifying which misconceptions are prevalent Addressing misconceptions constructively Developing ways for students to think independently about misconceptions Assessing student understanding of misconceptions Making time to address misconceptions without sacrificing course content
Identify and address misconceptions constructively Low pressure for students Anonymous reporting Example: earthquake misconceptions
Think independently about misconceptions Guided activities instead of lectures Use authentic data and observations when possible Examples: earthquake distribution clast size and transportation energy
Assess student understanding of common misconceptions Pre and post knowledge comparison Concept sketches Exam questions
Make time to address misconceptions without sacrificing course content ????? Let me know when you figure that one out!!