By Eileen Oldfield Staff Writer
Three Hillsborough teachers had a chance to teach their colleagues when they presented examples of a science teaching strategy, called a “Big Idea Module,” at the National Staff Development Council conference in Dallas in December.
Hillsborough Elementary School third-grade teacher Charlene Zeiss, Hillsborough Middle School seventh-grade teacher Deborah Gross, and High School physics teacher Stephen Grabowski presented grade-level lessons on gravity and gravitation at the conference, and demonstrated their learning strategy.
In addition to presentations by the teachers, District Science Supervisor Kim Feltre gave an overview of the focus, versatility, and use of the module in developing science curriculum.
”The development of a Big Idea Module facilitates articulation between teachers of various grade level to build connections and understandings for the students through the years,” said Ms. Feltre. “Big Idea Modules support integrated K-12 curriculum design versus individual grade level curriculum design, which helps to prevent repetition and gaps in the curriculum.”
Developing the “Big Idea Module” came through a partnership with Rider University’s Consortium for New Explorations in Coherent Teacher Education program, which includes content-based training, and additional training in teaching methods.
The teachers worked with local scientist Dr. Wil van der Veen, Director of the Science Education Institute of the New Jersey Astronomy Center at Raritan Valley Community College, to develop their curriculum presentations. Dr. van der Veen and Kathy Browne, director of the Consortium for New Explorations in Coherent Teacher Education program, also presented information at the conference.
According to Ms. Feltre, the teachers volunteered to be part of the program, and where selected based on grade level, concept topic, and cohesion as a team. The teachers attended nearly four months of training at the university to develop a six-hour “Big Idea” teaching plan.
While the conference is over, the strategies learned should make an appearance in district classrooms, Ms. Feltre said.
”We are working towards establishing professional development opportunities within district, as we have four years worth of Big Idea Modules; chemistry, physics, math, earth science and will be beginning work on life science and scientific inquiry this month,” said Ms. Feltre. “We are exploring participation in Phase II of our affiliation with CONNECT-ED, in which Rider will assist us in the development of in house professional development opportunities for our teachers.”
