3.7 Group session – reflecting on the section so far

This section of the course provides an opportunity to reflect, share experiences and discuss the ideas that you have encountered so far. How you do this will depend on the number of people in your study group and the time you have available. As experienced educators you will bring your own ideas and experience to bear on how you organise the discussion.

We suggest that you choose one person to facilitate and another to take notes and share action points at the end of the session. You should allow at least an hour for the session.

Compare notes on your reactions to the activity in section 3.2 where you reflected on the concept of STEM capital. Take turns to share your recorded reflections and your questions.

In section 3.3 you reflected on where you might be able to address one or more of the eight dimensions of STEM capital through classroom activity. Pool your observations – how much consensus is there? Talk through your differences.

Did anyone have any ideas on building family science skills and influences? This is the sixth dimension of science capital and one of the dimensions identified by researchers as most important for pupils’ subject and career choices. It’s also the hardest one for schools and teachers to influence. Are there ways of engaging with parents, carers or potential role models in any classroom projects or activities in relation to STEM? If students don’t have any family science capital are other ways to begin to build this?

Suggested resources for engaging with parents: https://www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/ justaddimagination [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] https://www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/ sites/ oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/ files/ STEM%20Futures%20brochure.WEB_.12Sep_1.pdf

3.6 Knowledge about the transferability of science

3.8 Group session – action planning