The following criteria are under development for use by peers reviewing submitted contributions to the ERESE teaching activity collections.
- Does the material present important Earth Science concepts ?
- Is the material accurate?
- Does the material present valid (correct) concepts, models, and results?
- Are there any factual, numerical, or conceptual errors?
- Are the references appropriate and complete?
- Is the activity likely to lead to the desired learning?
- Does the material help develop the desired conceptual understanding?
- Are the learning goals clearly stated?
- Is there good alignment between the stated learning goals and the likely learning outcomes of the activity?
- Will the assessment strategies allow the instructor to determine if the learning outcomes have been met?
- Does the pedagogy promote learning?
Does the activity incorporates effective strategies based on learning theory and research. For example:
- Does the activity motivate and engage students?
- Does it build on what they know and address their initial beliefs?
- Is it appropriate for the variety of students expected in the class?
- Does it use a variety of ways to present physical concepts?
- Is there an appropriate balance of guidance vs exploration?
- Does it include opportunities for reflection, discussion, and synthesis?
- Does the material provide learners with quality (immediate and positive) feedback?
- Are there opportunities for students to iterate and improve their understanding incrementally? (NRC, 1999; Edelson, 2001)
- Is the activity sheet complete and helpful?
- Could you quickly make a decision about whether you would like to look further at this activity?
- Is their sufficient information about the prerequisite knowledge required by students?
- Are the supporting materials sufficient for you to use the activity effectively? Are the materials provided for the student to use complete and clear?
- Are the teaching tips appropriate and sufficient?
- Is there enough detail provided for you to implement an assessment of the activity?
- Is the activity a good example of the associated teaching method? Is it clear how the material in the teaching module applies to the activity?