Talks by Dr. Carl J. Wenning
Illinois State University
UPI, Bandung, Indonesia

A. Friday, October 21, 8:30 a.m.
Physics Teacher Education: An International Conversation (PDF)
Dr. Carl J. Wenning, director of Physics Teacher Education program at Illinois State University (1994-2008), will talk about his Physics Department's program, detailing its six required physics teaching methods courses, and point out some unique attributes of the program that make it highly successful. Dr. Wenning will continue with a open dialogue about the similarities and differences between the programs at ISU and UPI.

ISU Physics Teacher Education plan of study HANDOUT

B. Friday, October 21, 1:00 p.m.
Levels of Inquiry Model of Science Teaching: The Pendulum Learning Sequence (PDF)
Learning sequences naturally flow from the Levels of Inquiry Model of Science Teaching inquiry spectrum. In this interactive session, students will be engaged in an inquiry-oriented sequence dealing with the simple pendulum. Students will experience discovery learning, interactive demonstration, and an inquiry lesson. Time will not permit experiencing them, but students will still learn about inquiry labs, real-world applications, and hypothetical inquiry — all components of the inquiry spectrum.

Pendulum lesson plan HANDOUT for students.

C. Saturday, October 22, 8:00 a.m.
The Levels of Inquiry Method of Science Teaching (PDF)
How does one best teach science? The answer is to use inquiry-oriented methods. Which processes are used and in what order? Which skills must be taught and how can it be done? The Levels of Inquiry Model of Science Teaching provides a framework for teaching using inquiry-oriented approaches that follow from one another in a logical fashion. Each level has associated with it specific skills. The Levels of Inquiry approach to science teaching can help teachers achieve the end that they wish to attain – science literacy of their students.

D. Sunday, October 23, 8:00 a.m.
Tips for Academic and Personal Success (PDF)
How can YOU and your students be more successful in science education? Dr. Carl J. Wenning, director of Physics Teacher Education program at Illinois State University (1994-2008) literally has a formula for success. In addition to sharing this formula, Dr. Wenning will address five areas related to student academic behavior: (1) achievement and goals; (2) studying, learning, and time management; (3) professional development; (4) personal development; and (5) personal and professional integrity. Learn how to be both a better student and a better teacher by attending this helpful presentation.

E. Sunday, October 23, 10:00 a.m.
NASA Mission Updates and More (PDF)
Dr. Carl J. Wenning was director of the Illinois State University Physics Department planetarium from 1978 through 2000. With bachelors and masters degrees in Astronomy, Dr. Wenning is well prepared to provide a summary of recent space missions and to answer questions about things astronomical. In conclusion, he will show recent spectacular astronomical photography done at his astronomy club's local observatory.

F. Monday, October 24, 7:00 a.m.
Levels of Inquiry Model of Science Teaching: The Buoyancy Learning Sequence (PDF)
Learning sequences naturally flow from the Levels of Inquiry Model of Science Teaching. In this interactive session, students will be engaged in an inquiry-oriented sequence dealing with the force of buoyancy, floating, and sinking. Students will experience discovery learning, interactive demonstration, and an inquiry lesson. Time will not permit experiencing them, but students will still learn about inquiry labs, real–world applications, and hypothetical inquiry — all components of the inquiry spectrum.

Buoyancy lesson plans HANDOUT for students.

G. Monday, October 24, 10:00 a.m. (Graduate School)
Science Literacy: What It Is, How to Assess It, and a Way to Achieve It (PDF)
Dr. Carl J. Wenning, director of Physics Teacher Education program at Illinois State University (1994-2008), will talk about the problems of teaching to achieve science literacy – the goal of science education. He will define science literacy, provide assessment instruments for measuring progress toward the goal, and explain a framework for achieving it. He will close with suggestions for areas of future research.

H. Monday, October 24, 1:00 p.m.
Why Teach Science Using an Inquiry Approach? (PDF)
The present-day science teaching reform movement calls for teaching by inquiry. Why should anyone want to teach using this method with its many perceived attendant problems? Listen as Dr. Carl J. Wenning, director of Physics Teacher Education program at Illinois State University (1994-2008), makes the case for inquiry-oriented instruction by referencing pertinent research.

I can't find a place for the following requested presentation. Perhaps is was part of an earlier request that didn't make it into the final agenda.

Science Literacy: How to Teach Students the Necessary Skills
Before we can teach the necessary skills associated with science literacy, we must understand what we mean by the phrase science literacy. Just as important, we must know what we mean by the word teach. Dr. Carl J. Wenning, director of Physics Teacher Education program at Illinois State University (1994-2008), will talk about how to achieve the main goal of science education.

(last updated October 17, 2011, cjw)