Michael Allen

Biography

"The overarching aim of Michael's research activity is to help school children better understand scientific ideas. He is a strong advocate of the constructivist approach to science education and believes that pedagogies based on sound hands-on principles are often the most effective and engaging ways to teach science. Currently, Michael is exploring the scientific ideas of nursery and reception children in the search to understand the origins of science misconceptions. He views children's learning trajectories from a child development perspective and is aligned with the theoretical position of scholars, such as Peter D. Eimas, who generally refute the existence of innate knowledge and seek less discontinuous solutions. Michael teaches science to trainee primary school teachers and has also been involved in teaching on Masters and Doctoral programmes. As a school teacher himself, he taught science at middle and secondary schools in Berkshire for twelve years, and served as an airman in the Royal Air Force during the Cold War."

Research Interest

Scientific concepts held by pre-school children The elicitation and correction of science misconceptions by means of constructivist philosophy-driven conceptual change pedagogies Confirmation bias and its influence on science observation/ inference making (in both historical and contemporary contexts) The use of practical work to enhance achievement in school science Radio-assisted practice in Initial Teacher Education.