Designing Tools for Disciplinary Engagement: A Study of Mediated Activity in Project-Based Advanced Placement Environmental Science

• In Event: Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: Motivational Beliefs in Instructional Contexts

Abstract

Project-based learning has the potential to engage students in disciplinary activity, using the skills and practices of a discipline to address real-world problems (Blumenfeld et al., 1991). Tools can mediate this kind of activity by scaffolding these skills and practices. We present three cases of iterative tool design intended to mediate disciplinary activity and support formative assessment in a project-based Advanced Placement environmental science course. Our analysis of tool-mediated activity was informed by the Productive Disciplinary Engagement framework (Engle & Conant, 2002). This work led to the development of a series of core design principles for tools that balance both disciplinary and school activity.

Authors

• Alexandra Goodell, University of Washington - Seattle

• Susan B. Nolen, University of Washington - Seattle

• Lia Wetzstein, University of Washington