U.S. Schools’ Proximity to Environmental Hazard Sites: A National Analysis
Category: Student Well-Being
Instrument Overview
Expert Notes AvailableView expert commentary on strengths and cautions for this instrument
Strengths
The structure of the learning activity is also assessed with this instrument in the sense that activities that don't encourage scientific argumentation will score lower on the instrument.
Useful for PD--training teachers to use the observation protocol would equip them with a better understanding of what counts as high-quality scientific argumentation can be used in longitudinal studies, comparison studies, and efficacy studies
Cautions
Only analyzes one episode of argumentation at a time, so gathering data at multiple points will be key for making broad interpretations
The Assessment of Scientific Argumentation in the Classroom (ASAC) Observation Protocol is an observation tool used to assess how students engage in scientific argumentation during classroom activities. Rather than testing individual knowledge, the ASAC focuses on how students discuss, question, and defend scientific ideas with their peers. It aligns with key goals of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which emphasize reasoning and evidence-based thinking.
The ASAC includes 19 items that address three areas of argumentation: conceptual/cognitive (use of evidence and reasoning), epistemological (understanding of how scientific knowledge is built), and social (interaction and collaboration). Teachers and researchers can use the tool to observe classroom discussions, track growth in students’ argumentation skills, or evaluate instructional strategies. The ASAC provides a consistent and practical way to study how students learn to argue scientifically, particularly in upper elementary through high school settings.
Organization
Collection Category(ies)
Content
Grades
5th Grade,
6th Grade,
7th Grade,
8th Grade,
9th Grade,
10th Grade,
11th Grade,
12th Grade
Languages
English
Respondent
Student
Administration Information
Length
19 items
Access and Use
Price
Free
Contact
Victor Sampson:
Phone: (512) 232 7504
Email: victor.sampson@utexas.edu
Patrick Enderele:
Email: patrick.enderleadi@gmail.com
Joi Phelps Walker:
Phone: 252-328-9772
Email: walkerjoi15@ecu.edu
Open Access
Yes
Psychometrics (additional guidance)
Item Type
Likert
