Modeling Instruction

The Science House offers Modeling Instruction Institutes for secondary science professional development. The primary focus is for teacher participants to learn Modeling Instruction (MI) methodology while enhancing their scientific, pedagogical content knowledge. The Institutes typically run 10-15 days totaling 60-90 hours of professional development and are designed to help teachers understand the process of MI. The institutes we have offered include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, and Middle School Science.

Modeling Instruction pedagogy introduces a systematic approach to developing curriculum and instruction, accomplished by examining educational research and exploring the significance of those models to science teaching and learning. The Institutes include extensive practice in implementing the curriculum as intended for secondary science classes. Participating teachers rotate between student and instructor roles, helping them practice instructional strategies that engage and guide learners in cooperative inquiry, developing and applying models, evaluating evidence, and conducting discourse (Jackson et al., 2008). Plans and questioning techniques for raising the level of discourse in classroom discussions and student presentations are emphasized. The institutes immerse teachers in the entire content and curriculum for each course, thereby providing in-depth preparation for all teachers.

To learn more about Modeling Instruction, please visit the American Modeling Teachers Association.

If your school or district is interested in contracting with The Science House to host a Modeling Instruction workshop in your area, please contact Scott Ragan by email (nsragan@ncsu.edu) or by phone (919-515-5610) to discuss details or availability.

To learn more about other Modeling Instruction professional development available around the country, please visit the following AMTA site regarding upcoming workshops:

https://www.modelinginstruction.org/pd-2/upcoming-workshops-2/