What sort of light will work for you?
4
Alternative frameworks
Children often have their own way of explaining the way the world around them works that is at variance with the accepted scientific explanation. These personal explanations are called alternative frameworks. They have considerable meaning for the individuals that hold them and are resistant to change.
If children are to change what they believe to be the underlying explanations for phenomena, they need to challenge these alternative frameworks for themselves. A teacher's explanation, however carefully constructed, will not enable a child to 'change their mind' unless the child has some way to engage with the explanation, see how it fits and differs from their own explanation, and appreciate that it provides a better explanation.
In other words the child needs to develop the 'better' explanation for themselves. You can get children to reveal their alternative frameworks by asking them to explain how their circuit(s) will work. This will provide the basis for an interesting conversation. You can, through careful questioning, help the child unpack the meaning of their explanation and reveal for themselves any limitations. With support from you they will be able to construct a new and improved explanation.
Rosalind Driver It will be important to give the child some dwell time so that they can reflect on their own understanding and re-construe their explanation. It is also essential to treat these initial explanations with respect. If children feel that their revelations of personal understanding are the object of scorn, contempt or ridicule (however slight or unintentional), then they will not reveal them and the opportunities you have for teaching become much more limited. These ideas about alternative frameworks were first put forward by Rosalind Driver.