Dr. Andrew Morris, renowned educator and author, discusses rekindling interest in science among disengaged students. Topics include research-informed educational practices, embracing curiosity, and the impact of technology on learning. The conversation delves into personal interests, AI in education, and the complexities of intelligence.
Integrating technology in education requires aligning it with specific learning goals and activities.
Re-engaging individuals with science involves fostering natural curiosity, creating safe environments for exploration, and emphasizing understanding over memorization.
Deep dives
The Importance of Purposeful Technology Integration in Education
Purpose is a key consideration when integrating technology in education. The podcast highlights the importance of aligning technology use with specific learning goals and activities. It stresses the need for educators and learners to question the relevance of technology in the classroom by evaluating its functionality, user knowledge, resource availability, and evidence of effectiveness for learning.
The Significance of Science Engagement and Curiosity
The podcast delves into ways to re-engage individuals with science and highlights the natural curiosity people possess. Through discussion groups and practical examples, it emphasizes the value of creating a safe learning environment where individuals can express themselves, share observations, and explore scientific concepts collaboratively. The focus is on fostering understanding rather than mere memorization of facts.
Rethinking Assessment and Learning in the Age of AI
The conversation shifts to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education and assessment practices. It advocates for a shift from fact-based assessment to understanding-based evaluation, challenging traditional notions of intelligence assessment. The podcast underscores the need for educators to adapt assessment methods to test conceptual understanding and engage students in discussions that promote deeper learning.
Navigating AI Literacy and Engaging with Neural Networks
The discussion extends to demystifying AI for the general public and promoting AI literacy. It calls for a nuanced understanding of AI technologies, particularly neural networks, emphasizing their role in representing human behavior and attitudes. The dialogue reflects on the evolution of technology and the importance of distinguishing human intelligence from AI capabilities, urging a deeper exploration of AI's societal implications and educational adaptations.
SCIENCE! Under discussion today are the ways in which students who were switched off the sciences at school manage to retain their curiosity about the subjects and can even reengage with it later in life. Professor Rose Luckin is very lucky to have in the online studio this week Dr Andrew Morris, Honorary Associate Professor at UCL, former president of the Education Section of the British Science Association, and author, whose book, Bugs, Drugs, and Three-Pin Plugs: Everyday Science, Simply Explained, is now available wherever books are sold.
Dr Morris has an interest in serving learners and the public through scientific and evidence-based outreach. The discussion in the studio centred around science, technology, research and practice in education.
Talking points and questions:
The ways in which people who were switched off the sciences at school retain their curiosity and can reengage with science at a later point in life
Examples of topics and ways of approaching science that have been revealed by Dr Morris’ science discussion groups
Research-informed educational practice, and research-informed educational policy
Ways in which research can be transformed and mediated for use