Talking About Science

Researchers in the US investigated how much students learn through classroom discussions on scientific topics.¹  Dionne Cross and Daniel Hickey of Indiana University, Gita Taasoobshirazi of the University of Nevada, and Sean Hendricks of the University of Georgia studied 28 16-17-year olds at a high school in Georgia. Using a computer simulation program, the students had to manipulate variables, eg balancing food intake against physical activity, to keep alive six astronauts on the surface of the moon.  

The work was divided into four sections and at the end of each section the students answered questions, giving explanations for their answers, and then took part in structured discussions with other students based on what they had written. The groups had to come up with the most sensible solutions for keeping the astronauts alive.