Exploring Interactions during Primary Grades Small Group Engineering

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Sunday 1:45 pm
  In Poster Session: Student Engagement and Approaches to Teaching in Engineering

Abstract

This study aims to explore the discourse used during primary grades small-group engineering lessons, in order to contribute to emerging literature identifying characteristics of sensemaking in this domain and grade band. Video observations of three primary school teachers, who participated in a large grant-funded professional development program, were analyzed using a mixed-method, multiple case study approach. Findings indicate that discourse tends to be teacher directed, and three thematic clusters of sensemaking discourse emerged from the open coding process. These codes may be useful in future studies examining primary grades sensemaking discourse, contribute to the literature on teacher supports for sensemaking, and expand upon evidence for sensemaking during elementary grades engineering.

Authors

• Daria Poliakova, University of North Florida

• Meghan M. Parkinson, University of North Florida

• Raven Robinson-Wilson, University of North Florida

• Syeda Hyder, Florida State College - Jacksonville