There are several different session formats featured at our annual conference on a regular basis. Proposals should indicate the relevant format for the proposed session. 

Themed Paper Set: Each one-hour session consists of a group of presentations related to a common theme as determined by the authors. The proposals must be submitted as a group to be considered as a single themed session. Each presenter will discuss research, a philosophical viewpoint, position, or innovation in science teacher education. A discussant may be chosen by the group submitting the themed paper set but will not be provided by ASTE. Authors will need to determine how to use the allotted time.

Themed Poster Set: Each one-hour session consists of a group of presentations related to a common theme as determined by the authors. The proposals must be submitted as a group to be considered as a single themed session. Each individual poster will share research, philosophical viewpoint, position, or innovation in science teacher education. A discussant may be chosen by the group submitting the themed paper set but will not be provided by ASTE. Authors will need to determine how to use the allotted time.

Small Group Roundtables: Each (one-hour) session offers the opportunity for participants to share and discuss creative pedagogy, issues and trends, culture, history, and research in an intimate and informal manner. Presenters will be paired with two to five presenters with papers on a similar topic. A presider will allow each presenter to provide a brief synopsis (5-7 minutes) and then allow time for table group discussion to share perspectives on the issues presented. Audience members may circulate among tables throughout the session.

Exploratory Session: This session type is intended to elicit the creativity of our membership to share innovative ideas in innovative ways. Do you envision something relevant to the ASTE membership that doesn’t quite fit a workshop or other format above? Propose this type of format to engage members in a 1-hour session on a topic of your choice. Exploratory sessions should be a format that is clearly distinct from those described above. *Keep in mind that this is an “alternative” session type. Attendees will be coming to your session expecting a different experience in some noticeable way. Don’t approach the planning the same way you would any other format, and make sure they leave feeling like it was correctly labeled as an exploratory session.