The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) ask students to think and behave like scientists and engineers. When students understand how scientists and engineers do their work, and have opportunities to explore, investigate, and explain phenomena, they become more engaged in learning and increase their comprehension. The experience students have in the science classroom is directly impacted by the instruction provided by the teacher and culture and environment built by both teachers and students.
The Components and Features of Student Learning were developed to help teachers and administrators answer a critical question of implementation: What does it look like when students are engaged in high quality learning experiences in science?
The four key components of student learning connect to each other and help visualize what it looks and sounds like when students are engaged in learning that aligns with the vision of the standards. Each component is clarified by observable features of learning. Teachers should use these features to plan instruction to maximize student learning. Administrators might use these features to identify evidence of learning to coach and support teachers.