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Critically discuss the inquiry approach in the context of teaching and learning
The importance of student engagement in learning
The importance of student engagement in learning
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Section 1- Description of investigation
1. (a) What you did. Describe the aim of the investigation and the method.
Aim:
Our investigation was to observe the changes to different pieces of bread by exposing them to a range of varied conditions; the aim was to find out in what environment would the mould grow the quickest. In order to achieve, we left three slices of bread in different environments and condiments on them and recorded our observations over a period of 3 weeks.
Method:
1. Firstly we collected three slices of the same branded bread.
2. Decided on three different environments and conditions for the bread to be in. First environment we choose was to leave the bread in sunlight. Second environment we choose was to leave the bread
In many investigations there is a lot of time spent gathering ideas and information from relevant sources than spending it on the practical element of the investigation. (Chiappetta, 1997, p. 26).
For students to be involved in inquiry based learning science teachers have to help them obtain the information from different sources during the process so students stay on track. Gathering information is an important learning aspect of inquiry, as students need to read about a topic and apply this knowledge to their investigation. (Chiappetta, 1997).
Within inquiry-based learning students should not forget about problem solving as it has “the potential to engage students in authentic investigations and develop their inquiry skills”. Problem solving can also make more learning more meaningful and relevant for children as they are more engaged in the process. “Inquiry and problem solving are associated with the nature of scientific inquiry as well as instructional methodology” (Chiappetta, 1997, pg. 26).
The term inquiry also refers to three different categories of
(5) Learner’s communicate and justify their proposed explanations. (NRC, 2000, p. 25)
There is more validity regarding what students should learn about scientific inquiry than how teachers should instruct students (Anderson, 2007).
2. (b) Justify how you would incorporate your investigation into a science unit based on the 5Es in a primary school context.
The way in which I would incorporate my investigation into a science unit based on the 5Es in a primary school context is first I would engage the students and ask them if they know anything about mold and how it grows, I would look up different experiments with mold so the students can get an understanding of how it grows. The children would then be able to use whichever variable such as bread they like and then change the physical conditions around it such as the dark, sun. The children would then explain what they have observed and use scientific terms where needed to describe the results. After this they would then elaborate by extending their knowledge further, then they would have to evaluate their learning and how the investigation could have been
Science is applied to the world with experiments. Scientists created the scientific method to make a “conclusion about the world around them” (1). “The Scientific Method helps to “organize thoughts and procedures to finalized conclusions” (2). The Scientific Method consists of six steps to carry out an experiment reach. The first step is, ask a question. When an individual questions the things around them they tend to do an experiment to see if it can be affected by something. Before you can perform the experiment the second step is to find background research about the topic. Understanding the question and analyzing it can help a person gain insight and a greater depth of understanding. The third step of the method is creating a statement
Identify the chosen research method (experimental, survey, observation or correlational research) and if appropriate, the design used. (1 mark) I am using a lab experiment as my research method. I am using an independent groups design. PB4: Identify the advantages(s) and disadvantage(s) of the chosen research method. (2 marks)
This experiment tests how temperature of water added to yeast in bread dough affects the rising of the bread. The research done for this experiment mainly focuses on how large the range of temperatures should be, and when yeast dies. Research was also collected on exactly how yeast makes bread rise, and what other ingredients allow the yeast to do that. Half the research collected was on why bread rises and what variables should be controlled. In “Kitchen Science”, the writer explained that when yeast is given the proper environment, it will bubble and release carbon dioxide, which is what makes the bread rise.
Learning through the inquiry process extends beyond just the classroom or schooling arena. Indeed, learning through inquiry is a lifelong skill that teachers can assist students to develop (Lupton
Inquiry-based learning is geared with a student-centered approach, where teachers use the scaffolding technique to help students move toward stronger understanding of the subject area. Being directed towards a Science class, Forrest discovered that the literacy skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking are all components of the inquiry process and are essential to learning in a Science classroom. Methods of using inquiry-based learning in a Science classroom includes; active reading where students are given a purpose for reading, scaffolding or teacher provided guidance, and collaboration in small groups to provide feedback on a specific source. The goal of active reading is to help students focus their inquiries on specific topics in an effort to increase learning. Another discovery that was made is that Middle-school students enjoy gaining new knowledge, especially when it is presented in a social way where they can provide their own ideas and listen to the ideas of their classmates which further promote their literary proficiencies. The article concludes that using inquiry-based literacy strategies will motivate and engage students in all subject
The experiment: Which was composed of three parts. The first part, included reading and following the instructions. In the second part, were question about them self for example age, birthdate, where they lived. The third part, was computer-based experiments.
Problem-based learning is a strategy that allows students to alleviate their doubts and uncertainties, investigate and find answers to their questions, and explore their curiosities about how the world works (Tillman, 2013). It is a method of teaching that is suited to the way the brain works, presents information in a variety of ways, utilizes different learning modalities, and provides experiences that are hands-on (Etherington, 2011). Students direct what is happening. It is intended to improve students’ ability to transfer knowledge to various settings and problems (Purichia, 2015). Problem-based learning gives power to students to research a problem, to take ideas from theory into practice, and to apply facts to actual situations
In education it is important that we support curiosity within our students. We need to encourage students to continue to question, then we need to guide them in answering
Another part of the science inquiry skills is questioning. Curiosity drives the inquiry process, it generates questions and a search for answers. In process of asking series is first step finding. If you don’t question anything then you might get the real answer wrong. That's why it is important to always question everything. Another inquiry skill is predicting. Predictions are central to the process of testing whether or not a hypothesis is on the right track. This process takes away the need for guessing. A prediction goes beyond available evidence to suggest what will happen in the future. You should always predict. You also have to investigate. Measuring, gathering data, and performing fair tests are used to gain the evidence necessary to provide a consistent interpretation. With meaningful evidence, we can answer a question or test a prediction with some certainty that the appropriate variable is being tested and systematically measured. One of the final inquiry skill is interpreting. Interpreting includes finding a pattern of effects and synthesizing a variety of information in order to make a statement about their combined meaning. It may include making associations between variables and making sure
The most significant feature of an investigative study is the precision and simplicity of the investigative problem. For a brief assertion, it definitely has a great deal of influence on the study. The statement of the problem is the central position of the study. The problem statement should affirm what will be studied, whether the study will be completed by means of experimental or non-experimental analysis, and what the reason and function of the results will bring. As an element of the opening, profound problem declarations satisfies the query of why the study should to be performed. The reason of this essay is to discuss the features of an investigative problem; in addition, the essay will center on what constitutes a researchable problem; the components of a well formed Statement of Research Problem; and, what constitutes a reasonable theoretical framework for the need of a study.
Inquiry Learning is a way to make the student find their own answers for their questions (Lakes Matyas, Ph.D). Posing a question for the students is a way to get them started. Then, by guiding the students on their own different searches, they all come together in the end to share their findings to answer the question.
I would like to teach K-3. I believe that these years of education is very crucial for learning and developing their skills. Inquiry-based learning will only enhance these curious students to explore, share ideas and ask questions. Our role as a teacher will help identify needed resources and monitor, guide the students inquiry. Children learn by doing.
In closing, science education is like an invisible force that pushes everything forward. It is not always noticed, but the results of teaching science in schools could be world-changing. Science has helped in so many different industries such as the medicine field where it has been helping throughout the ages to save lives. In addition, if earth science is taught, everyone will live in a world with cleaner air, because more people will be educated to make the right decisions and help this planet. With that it is clear that teaching science education in classes is extremely important for everyone’s future.
...achievement. The inquiry process is engaging and interactive. Students are learning, not only more science, but the study of the world around them. For all students, especially those with diverse backgrounds and learning disabilities, it is essential for inquiry to be provided with direct instruction, classroom support, and a guided process.
UniServe Science. (2004). Alternative strategies for science teaching and assessment. Retrieved March 7, 2004 from http://science.uniserve.edu.au/school/support/strategy.html