This study explores teachers' use of questioning during collaborative science exploratory activities. We classified a total of 755 questions across 14 preschool science lessons implemented by four teachers by type (open- or closed-ended) and content (science or non-science related) while also recording the intended recipient. Results revealed…

The incorporation of socioscientific issues into science teaching to promote students' scientific literacy may require that science teachers reconsider and transform their teaching practices. This study examines the knowledge and considerations involved when two teachers incorporated socioscientific issues into their teaching, with the aim of…

Fostering and maintaining students' interest in science is an important aspect of improving science learning. The focus of this paper is to listen to and reflect on students' voices regarding the sources of motivation for science subjects among students in community secondary schools with contextual challenges in Tanzania. We conducted a…

Inquiry is essentially a process in which research questions are asked and an attempt is made to find the answers. However, the formulation of operational research questions of the sort used in authentic scientific inquiry is not a trivial task. Here, we set out to explore the possible influence of separating the research question from the…

According to 1995 National Science Education Standards, "inquiry into authentic questions generated from student experiences is the central strategy for teaching science." Effective classroom questions promote relevance, encourage ownership, help students interpret their observations, and link new learning to what students already know. Two…

Discusses the incompatibility of fast-paced questioning techniques and inquiry-oriented science instruction. Encourages increasing the time allowed for students to construct responses to teacher questions, and utilizing a system of rewards and punishments that supports students working out their own ideas with experiments. (DDR)

Some second thoughts about the manager's handbooks'' developed in the great curriculum projects of the early sixties, based on two years of controlled study. (Author)

From a science perspective, inquiry-oriented instruction engages students in the investigative nature of science. Inquiry involves activity and skills, but the focus is on the active search for knowledge or understanding to satisfy a curiosity. This digest further describes the distinguishing features of inquiry-oriented science instruction and…

Teachers are encouraged to examine more critically the assumptions on which science curricula are based so they will be less likely to accept naive approaches to discovery learning. Examples from the Physical Science Study Committee (PSSC) and Nuffield Physics are used to show how they use discovery learning. (IS)

Through a review of the literature, looks at instructional and curricular issues related to the student-as-scientist model and the critical nature of the teacher's role in expanding school science activities to include this model. (SM)

Describes a study in which kindergarten and first-grade students discussed the subject of shadows. Two students became teacher/leaders, and the rest asked questions for clarification or gave input. The classroom teacher modeled questioning and communication skills all year. The goal was to empower students to have a role in their own education.…

Discusses the need to teach problem-solving skills in science. Differentiates between guided discovery, guided inquiry, guided exploration, and guided investigation. Describes how guided exploration evolved and how it can be applied to the science curriculum. Provides a flowchart for guided investigation. (TW)

The purpose of this guide is to provide teachers with information that will help them better understand how to teach science. In addition, this resource is intended to be a tool in assisting teachers in developing their science curricula and in planning their instruction. The instructional approach presented reflects the philosophy that students…

When teachers present students with real topics in science and social studies instead of artificial, abstract writing exercises, the students will both develop and extend their interests and learn to think and communicate clearly about them. Choosing such a topic provides an opportunity to discuss student interests. Next, list building and small…