Clarification of propositions in science teaching

Verbal explanations given by science teachers: Their nature and implications

“…Other studies call attention to issues related to explanation in science teaching. Specifically, Cook (1985) has suggested that teachers "may lack a plan of attack that emphasizes the fundamental propositions of their subjects" (p. 37), and has developed a scheme that teachers could use to emphasize the role of propositions in the development of their explanations. Horwood (1988) has called attention to the lack of consistency in how the terms explain and describe are used in teaching materials.…”