Dr Jenny Lewis
Senior Lecturer in Science Education
Tel: +44 (0)113 3434546
Fax: +44 (0)113 3434683
Email: J.M.Lewis@education.leeds.ac.uk
Science education and scientific literacy; teaching and learning biology; teacher development.
Member of CSSME.
Interests
In 1994 I put my training as a research scientist (genetics) and my experience as a teacher (Post 16) to good use by joining the Centre for Studies in Science and Mathematics Education and embarking on a new career in science education research. Since then I have worked on a number of projects including 'Young People's Understanding of, and Attitudes to, the New Genetics' (funded by the Wellcome Trust); Improving Labwork in Science Education (funded by the European Commission) and Evidence Based Practice in Science Education (funded by the ESRC). More recently I have evaluated the Salters Nuffield Advanced Biology course, and completed a small research project for the NSLC - both these studies explored the ways in which teachers (and students) respond when making changes to their usual classroom practice. Currently I am part of a working group looking at Language Across the Curriculum for the Council of Europe.
My broad research interest is the development of a better shared understanding of science between groups with different perspectives and understandings. In particular I am interested in the knowledge, understanding and skills which people might need if they are to engage in reasoned debate of social issues arising from the use of science and in the extent to which people might be prepared for this through the science curriculum. This is built around work on teaching and learning in science and has led to an increasing interest in teacher development. Recently I have also developed an interest in vocational and applied education.
In addition to undertaking research I am a tutor on the Secondary Science PGCE course, develop courses for the National Science Learning Centre and supervise postgraduate research students. I have also acted as academic secretary for European Researchers in Didactic of Biology (ERIDOB) [2000-2004] and Vice President of the Institute of Biology, Chair of Education and Training [2000-2004]. Consultancy work has included the development of interactive teaching squences for the National Strategy, see: http://www.nationalstrategiescpd.org.uk/file.php/163/interactive_teaching_science_v1/index.html
Selected Publications
PAPERS
Lewis, J. and Leach, J. (2006). "Reasoning About Socio-Scientific Issues In The Science Classroom: the role of scientific knowledge". International Journal of Science Education, 28 (11), 1267-1288. Read Abstract.
Lewis, J. (2006). "Bringing The Real World Into The Biology Curriculum". Journal of Biological Education, 40 (3), 101-106. Read Abstract.
Lewis, J. (2006). "The Importance of Evaluation During Curriculum Development: the Salters-Nuffield Advanced Biology (SNAB) experience". School Science Review, 88 (323), 1-8.
Lewis, J. and Kattman, U. (2004). "Traits, genes, particles and information – revisiting students’ understandings of genetics". International Journal of Science Education 26 (2), 26 (2), 195-206. Read Abstract.
Lewis, J., Leach, J. and Wood-Robinson, C. (2000). "Chromosomes: The Missing Link - young people’s understanding of mitosis, meiosis and fertilisation 34(4) 189-199 ISSN 0021-9266". Journal of Biological Education, 34(4), 189-199. Read Abstract.
Lewis, J. and Wood-Robinson, C. (2000). "Genes, chromosomes, cell division and inheritance - do students see a relationship?". International Journal of Science Education, 22 (2), 177-195. Read Abstract.
CHAPTERS
Scott, P., Leach, J., Hind, A. and Lewis, J. (2006). "Designing research evidence-informed teaching interventions" in: R. Millar, J. Leach, J. Osborne and M. Ratcliffe (Ed.) Improving subject teaching: lessons from research in science education.. London: RoutledgeFalmer.
Leach, J., Scott, P., Ametller, J., Hind, A. and Lewis, J. (2006). "Implementing and evaluating teaching interventions: Towards research evidence-based practice" in: R. Millar, J. Leach, J. Osborne and M. Ratcliffe (Ed.) Improving subject teaching: lessons from research in science education. RoutledgeFalmer.
Lewis, J. (2002). "The Effectiveness of Mini-Projects as a Preparation for Open-Ended Investigations" in: Psillos, D., Niedderer, H. (Ed.) Teaching and learning in the science laboratory. Dordrecht: Kluwer.
Leach, J. and Lewis, J. (2002). "The role Of Student’s Epistomological Beliefs In The Process Of Conceptual Change In Science" in: Limon, M. and Mason, L. (Ed.) Reconsidering Conceptual Change: Integrating Theory And Practice ’. Dordrecht, NL: Kluwer.
Extended list of publications.
This page last updated by Jenny Lewis on 11th February 2009