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Why Inquiry

Explore the benefits and drawbacks of traditional expository teaching versus inquiry-oriented methods in science education, focusing on the roles of both teachers and students. Learn how inquiry-based approaches can foster higher-order thinking and scientific literacy.

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Why Inquiry

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  1. Why Inquiry

  2. Inquiry Teaching • “Science teaching has suffered because science has been so frequently presented just as so much ready-made knowledge, so much subject matter of fact and law, rather than as the effective method of inquiry into any subject matter.” • John Dewy, 1910

  3. Traditional Approach(Expository) • In Favor • Fast, efficient and easy • In Opposition • Teacher seen as an authority figure • Treats subject matter and methods separately • Rarely allows for understanding of the nature of science • “problem solving” is too simplistic view of science • Traditional problem solving leads student to believe that science is “finding the correct equation”

  4. Inquiry-oriented methods • Get students to do science by following steps inherent in the process • Observing • Defining a problem • Hypothesizing • Identifying and controlling variables • Collecting and interpreting data • Drawing conclusions • Strengthen higher-order level thinking skills • Inquiry students outperform expositor student in test of higher level thinking (Lott, 1983) • Inquiry students, though covering less subject matter, perform equally well when low-level cognitive processes are assessed (Lott, 1983)

  5. Traditional vs. Inquiry • Traditional practices • Emphasizes knowledge of facts, laws, and theories • Utilizes labs as verification exercises • Emphasizes application of knowledge • Inquiry Practices: • Emphasizes the understanding of the nature of science • Integrates labs into course discussion (contextual learning) • Emphasizes higher level cognitive skills • Which would you see as being more effective in preparing scientifically literate students?

  6. Role of the teacher • Encourages thinking, questioning, and discussion • Encourages debate/discussion • Provides a variety of levels and paths for investigation • Works as a fellow investigator • Avoids appeals to authority • Maintains an atmosphere conductive to inquiry • Places emphasis on “How do I know the material of this course?” rather than “What must I know in this course?”

  7. Role of the Student • Makes observations, collects and interprets data • Formulates hypotheses, creates and conducts experiments • Works out relationships of cause and effect • Relates independent and dependent variables • Uses reasoning ability • Draws conclusions on the basis of data • Defends conclusions on the basis of data

  8. Teacher Perceived Problems • Time and energy • Too slow • Risk too high • Student immaturity • Teaching habits • Discomfort • Too expensive

  9. References • Lillain McDermott, University of Washington • APS Research in Physics Education • “Teaching by telling is an ineffective mode of instruction for most students” • “Facility in solving standard quantitative problems is not an adequate criterion for functional understanding.” • http://www.aps.org/educ/edou15.html

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