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Rationale
Activities in science can enable learners with
different levels of physical, sensory, cognitive and
emotional development to achieve success because:
- They are about first hand experiences
- knowledge and skills can be developed through practical
activity
- Science activities can capture and develop the imagination
- Working in small groups develops interpersonal communication
- Working on a variety of activities allows learners.
Policy
The Association promotes equality of access
to science education for all learners.
All groups, institutions and organisations concerned
with science education should have explicit written
equal opportunities policies and use them effectively
to guide, monitor and evaluate their practice.
Teachers of science should be aware of the physical,
sensory, cognitive and emotional development and needs
of learners. In setting learning objectives, a variety
of science activities should be planned to meet the
needs of different learners.
Planning for access to science should be addressed
at three levels
- whole institution policy
- class schemes of work
- group and individual activity plans
Every learner should be offered access to science activities
at an appropriate level.
The Association will itself develop good practice and
procedures to monitor its own organisation at all levels
in respect of equal opportunity.
Recommendations
Learners can be isolated by sensory, physical,
cognitive and emotional problems. Choosing familiar
contexts and providing appropriate activities motivates
and stimulates learners.
- Appropriate science experiences will involve:
- using a range of teaching and learning strategies
- developing concepts and skills gradually
- matching the demands of the activity to the learner
- allowing different outcomes for different individuals
- building on the learner's strengths
- allowing time for learners to reflect on their work
- using a range of methods to monitor progress
- ensuring written material is at an appropriate level
for each learner
- explaining new vocabulary
- using first hand examples to reinforce understanding
- using a range of communication methods
- adopting a consistent presentation style for written
work
- ensuring safe working conditions
- making effective use of learning support assistants
Links with other ASE policy statements: Quality; Values;
Learning; Gender; Race, equality and science teaching.
For more details of ASE policies, click
here to visit the ASE website.
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