Tool Explainer: Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER)

Claim Evidence Reasoning (CER) is an instructional framework used in education to help students develop and articulate logical, evidence-based arguments. This approach is widely applied in science education but is also effective across various subjects, such as history, economics, and literature.

What is the CER Framework?

• Claim: A statement that answers a question or problem.
  • The claim is a concise response, such as a hypothesis in science or a thesis statement in writing. It should be specific, clear, and directly related to the prompt or question.
• Evidence: Data or information that supports the claim, such as facts, observations, or examples from reliable sources.
  • The evidence should be relevant, reliable, and sufficient to back up the claim.
• Reasoning: The explanation that links the evidence to the claim, showing how and why the evidence is relevant and convincing.
  • This involves articulating the logic behind the relationship between the claim and the evidence, often including scientific principles, historical context, or literary analysis.

How Does Eduaide’s CER Tool Work?

Eduaide.Ai’s CER tool is designed to simplify the implementation of the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) framework in educational settings. Here’s an overview of its functionality:

Adaptable Across Subjects

Eduaide.Ai's CER tool can be used to create prompts tailored to various topics, such as biology, physics, chemistry, or environmental science. This flexibility allows teachers to align CER activities with their specific curriculum goals. However, it’s essential to recognize that CER is particularly effective when applied to tasks involving analysis, argumentation, and evidence-based reasoning, rather than rote memorization or tasks that require creative expression. The context in which we deploy instructional methods may be just as important as the methods themselves.

Automatically Generated Data Tables

The tool includes an automatic generation of data tables to support the evidence stage of CER assignments. This feature helps provide students with structured data, enabling them to focus on analyzing and interpreting information rather than spending time organizing it. While this can save teachers time, it’s vital to ensure that students also learn how to gather and organize data independently, as these skills are vital for their overall development in scientific literacy.

Customizable Instructional Materials

Eduaide.Ai offers the capacity to generate diverse instructional materials, including practice exercises, explanations, and differentiated tasks. This is particularly valuable in addressing varied student needs. However, while unlimited resources can enhance learning, using them judiciously is crucial. Effective teaching involves discerning when CER assignments genuinely support learning objectives and when alternative approaches may be more appropriate. Educators should consider the cognitive demands of these tasks and provide appropriate scaffolding to ensure all students can benefit from this approach.

Conclusion

Eduaide.Ai's CER tool offers practical support for teachers implementing the CER framework. While the tool provides flexibility, time savings, and various supplemental resources, its effectiveness ultimately depends on how thoughtfully it is integrated into the classroom. As with any instructional tool, its use should be guided by clear educational objectives, an understanding of students’ needs, and a balanced evidence-based approach to teaching and learning.

🎯 Anchor Chart: What is a Claim Evidence Reasoning (CER) Assignment?* 🎯

1️⃣ What is a Claim?

• Definition: A statement that expresses an idea or opinion.
• Purpose: Answers a specific question or addresses a problem.
• Example:
• 🗣️ "Recycling reduces pollution."

2️⃣ What is Evidence?

• Definition: Facts, data, or information that supports the claim.
• Criteria: Must be credible and relevant.
• Example:
• 📊 "Studies show that recycling can reduce waste by up to 30%."

3️⃣ What is Reasoning?

• Definition: The explanation that connects the evidence to the claim.
• Purpose: Clarifies why the evidence supports the claim.
• Example:
• 🧩 "By recycling, we decrease the amount of waste in landfills, which helps to lower pollution levels."

4️⃣ How to Structure a CER Assignment

• Claim:
• 📝 State your main idea.
• Evidence:
• 🔍 Present relevant facts or data.
• Reasoning:
• 🧠 Explain how your evidence supports your claim.

5️⃣ Tips for a Strong CER

• 🗣️ Clarity: Use clear and concise language.
• 📚 Credibility: Ensure your evidence is from reliable sources.
• 🔗 Logic: Make sure your reasoning logically connects the evidence to the claim.

*Made on Eduaide.Ai