Reply to comment

Greg,

    First, thank you for your presentation.  My worst science subject in high school was Biology.  I could never "get" most of the content that the teacher was presenting.  I am pleased to tell you that I was able to follow your presentation.  There are a few points that I am mulling over, but that's ok.  Since I am more of a visually learner a written hand-out would have been beneficial.  Also, if you write on a blackboard, make sure that all can see and read it. 

     You covered a lot of difficult, somewhat abstract material.  The used of the 2 national flags gave me a concrete hook into understanding.  Perhaps another concrete model will have been helpful.  Definitely pass the butterfly around, perhaps while you are setting up any technology equipment.

     As far as a how much time is needed to spend on participants sharing alternate explanations depends on the group.  It helped me to hear some of my fellow participants thinking.  However because the size of the group was relatively small, the sharing did not distract me.  I do not know if there is any "threshold size" to determine the "right" amount of sharing.  I do believe that using your own judgment and experience, you will be able to determine the best time allotted for such conversation. 

     Again, thank you for your time and interest.  The best of luck to you in your teaching career.