The Development and Application of Instructional Strategy for Science Writing using Newspaper Articles

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to develop instructional strategy for newspaper-based science writing and to examine the effect of its application. The target unit was ‘change of weather’ and ‘a variety of gas’ in the sixth grade of elementary school, and the teaching strategy was composed of 3 stages-writing including realistic, interpretative and comprehensive writing. The result of applying this strategy into actual classrooms was as follows. First, it was proven that the science writing strategy using newspaper articles actually helped improving science process skills of learners, in particular, integrated process skills. Second, this strategy for science writing changed the scientific attitude of learners positively. While they read the newspaper articles, their thinking became more elaborate and systemized, which seemed to serve to foster their openness, criticism, and perseverance. Third, the science writing strategy did not contribute to the improvement of learners' science study achievement. To improve the understanding of scientific concepts and principles of learners, it is needed that teaching program combines with argument-based activity organically. The above-mentioned findings show that this instructional strategy using newspaper articles can be applicable as one of effective methods in science writing.Key words : science writing, instructional strategy, newspaper articles