The challenge of supporting creativity in problem-solving projects in science: a study of teachers’ conversational practices with students

Figures & data

Extract 1. Display of preference.

1	T	((Stands beside the students’ table. She folds her hands slightly and look
2		at S1 with her eyes wide open and eyebrows lifted))
3	S1–3	((Looks up on the teacher))
4	S1	Okay, we have found out that it is going to be like this- like this that can
5		transform carbon dioxide to oxygen. °That [squirts <very>-]°
6	S2	((Reaches out his hand and looks at the teacher))
7	S2	[That] thins out the new oxygen-
8	T	((Looks at S2, still with her hands slightly folded and nods ones while S2 is
9		talking))
10	T	((Smiles and leans over the table and moves the papers on the table around
11		with one hand while S2 is talking))
12	T	=But write it here’ Very good?
13	T	((Points at the paper with one finger))
		(0.5)
14	T	Yes? Write down the idea here.
15	T	((Leaves the group))

Extract 2. Display of dis-preference.

1	T	((Approaches the group, puts both hands on the table and leans over slightly))
2	T	((Looks at S1))
3	T	Yes?
4	S1	Here’s one that transport food = Here’s a car that runs on (.) solar panel’
5		Here’s a car that’s charged by e:: e:: batteries’ And here’s a thing that e:
6		[heats water-
7	S1	((Points on the drawing))
8	T	((Bends down and sits down by the table)) ((Frowns her forehead))
9	T	[But ho-] How do you think you can get access to batteries?
10	T	((looks at S2))
11	S2	Yes’
12	S3	Yes?
13	S4	Solar panel? You just e::-.
14	S1	No. solar cells then’
15	T	((Looks at S1)) ((Nods))
16	S1	It takes up energy from e: sun’ And: and that energy is being transported to
17		the batteries then’
18	T	But what if you run completely out of batteries? If this is going down to
19		collect it, = How long do you think it will take for that to collect it? = If it’s
20		going all the way to the Earth and [pick up batteries?
21	S4	((stretches out his arms with palms facing up))
22	S4	[We does not run] out of batteries.
23	T	((Smiles and laughs while gazing at S4)) ((stands up and tries to walk away
24		from the group))

Extract 3. Moving from a dis-preferred idea to a preferred idea.

25	S2	It- it- it- it cha:rges while it drives.
26	T	((Returns to the group)) ((Looks at S2 with eyebrows lifted and eyes wide
27		open))
28	S2	((Looks at the teacher))
29	T	[Smart’]
30	S4	[Not like that.] We are having rechargeable batteries.
31	T	How exciting?
32	S4	Then there’s just – that there is stored a lot like this, stored here as [(xxx)]
33	T	[Actually-]
34		Actually a possible problem that you are solving now? That is access to power
35		or electricity.
36	T	=Just write access to power or electricity. = That you see as
37		a problem.
38	T	((Points at the paper with one finger))
		(0.5)
39	T	Mm.
40	T	((Leaves the group))