Language Literacy and Science

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiii

   PDF

2. Introduction and Literature Review

   • Azra Moeed, Brendan Cooney

   Pages 1-9

3. The Theoretical Frame, Research Design and Methodology

   • Azra Moeed, Brendan Cooney

   Pages 11-17

4. Year 9 Case Study, Sparklers for Developing Science Literacy

   • Azra Moeed, Brendan Cooney

   Pages 19-30

5. Year 12 Case Study, Concept Mapping, and Communicating Science Ideas

   • Azra Moeed, Brendan Cooney

   Pages 31-42

6. Teaching as Inquiry

   • Azra Moeed, Brendan Cooney

   Pages 43-50

7. Discussion, Conclusion, and Final Thoughts

   • Azra Moeed, Brendan Cooney

   Pages 51-60

8. Back Matter

   Pages 61-71

   PDF

This book presents the findings of two case studies in the 'Making Connections' two-year project funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Education. It shows how science literacy was improved in a state coeducational school with Pacific Island students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This book details ideas and strategies relevant to schools where English literacy has an impact on the science engagement and achievement of ethnically diverse student populations. It also presents the teaching as inquiry model and its usage by teachers to improve aspects of their teaching strategies.

• science vocabulary development
• vocabulary development
• language literacy in science
• English literacy and science learning
• learning strategies
• concept maps and ideas
• teaching as inquiry
• teaching as enquiry
• student views about science learning
• student achievement in science
• student engagement in science
• Pasifika student achievement in science
• raising student achievement in science
• raising Pasifika students achievement in science
• English as a second language in science learning

• Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

  Azra Moeed

• Porirua College, Porirua, New Zealand

  Brendan Cooney

Azra Moeed is an Associate Professor in Science Teacher Education at Victoria University of Wellington. Her research interests include science education, particularly what students learn through science investigation, science teacher education, and environmental education. With an interest in classroom research, Azra has received the National Tertiary Excellence in Teaching award for 2016, and was conferred the honour of being a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2020.


Brendan Cooney is Assistant Head of Science and teacher-in-charge of Chemistry at Porirua College. He was the project leader of the teacher-led Innovation research project funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Education, the findings of which are presented in this book.

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