Teamwork in Science Problem Solving: How to Make Elementary Science More Relevant to Adult Learners

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: Supporting Early Childhood and Elementary Science Learning

Abstract

Adults play a big role in shaping student engagement with science, but education researchers know very little about what makes elementary science conducive to adult engagement (Silander et al., 2018). The purpose of this paper is to surface the role of teamwork in adult learners’ experiences with science. It argues that adult learners’ tendency to conceptualize teamwork as a skill and goal in their science-based problem-solving helps adult learners build positive attitudes towards science. Building positive attitudes is a critical step in encouraging families to engage young children in science. By placing teamwork at the center of this inquiry, this article offers a bottom-up cultural perspective on science and problem-solving where learners’ lived experiences inform instructional models.

Authors

• Alexia Raynal, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Heather Lavigne, Education Development Center, Inc.