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Scaffolded Knowledge Integration 
The Scaffolded Knowledge Integration framework is based on these
four components:
 Identifying New Goals for Science Learning:
KIE projects use accessible models for scientific concepts, helping
students to connect new information to existing ideas and to problems
that are both familiar and relevant. For example, the evidence
pictured is used to explore concepts of light reflection and absorption
in the context of useful and observable information about the
safest clothing to wear while biking at night.
Making Thinking Visible:
To facilitate understanding, concepts and ideas must be made explicit.
Evidence used in KIE, as in the film clip described above, is
selected to clearly illustrate scientific phenomena or the thinking
of experts. Throughout a KIE project, students make their own
thinking visible by frequent written reflection and by discussing
their thoughts with others, in pairs or as a class. The SenseMaker
tool provided with KIE is an additional opportunity to make the
organization of ideas visible.
Encouraging Autonomous Learning:
A primary goal of KIE is to ensure that students actively integrate
science knowledge rather than adopting a rote approach to science
learning. KIE gives responsibility for learning to the students,
engaging them as both investigators and critics of science while
providing sufficient scaffolding for them to be successful. Mildred
the Cow Guide and other forms of guidance are available to help
students figure out what questions to ask and how to select from
alternative explanatory models.
Providing Social Supports:
KIE supports student collaboration as a mechanism for encouraging
autonomy and for fostering a classroom culture of inquiry and
mutual respect. Students work together, most often in pairs, to
share ideas and discuss scientific concepts with others. In addition,
they frequently have opportunities to share work with other groups,
and to engage in group discussions in class or on the Web through
KIE's SpeakEasy tool. KIE also provides support for sharing the
products of successful Web searches with other students. |
