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The research reported in this study focuses on an investigation into the teaching of argumentation in secondary science classrooms. Over a 1‐year period, a group of 12 teachers from schools in the greater London area attended a series of workshops to develop materials and strategies to support the teaching of argumentation in scientific contexts. Data were collected at the beginning and end of the year by audio‐recording and video‐recording lessons where the teachers attempted to implement argumentation. To assess the quality of argumentation, analytical tools derived from Toulmin’s argument pattern were developed and applied to classroom transcripts. Teachers’ use of argumentation developed across the year, the pattern of use was teacher‐specific, as was the nature of change. To inform future professional development programmes, transcripts of five teachers, three showing a significant change and …