This paper set describes the implementation and evaluation efforts associated with the Richardson Independent School District's elementary science program which has been recognized as a Texas state exemplar in the National Association for Research in Science Teaching's (NSTA) 1985 Search for Excellence. Part I of the paper set outlines the network…

This paper presents criteria for establishing the trustworthiness of naturalistic inquiries, and specific techniques to facilitate their achievement or determine the degree of their achievement. The following criteria are briefly described: fairness; and ontological, educative, catalytic and tactical authenticity. Explored in greater detail,…

This curriculum guide provides: (1) information on the philosophy of the elementary school science program in Alberta; (2) a list of eight general objectives for science education; (3) 11 statements which identify the desirable characteristics of an elementary science program; (4) a discussion of inquiry in elementary science, considering process…

The origins of inquiry activities are discussed in this historical review and assessment of science textbooks. Approximately 80 texts (dated from 1822 to 1910) were analyzed specifically for inquiry teaching strategies. No significant patterns were detected, either by subject or time, which could support an identifiable birth of inquiry. After…

A study investigates how asking-for-information interactions are managed in actual talk and how they are represented in textbooks for learners of English as a second language (ESL). Data are confined to opening and closing sequences in interactions, and are derived from 60 real-life and 60 textbook dialogue interactions. The real-life interactions…

School districts seeking to obtain the person best qualified and suited for a particular position should use a precise, well-balanced application that will give a personal history, qualifications for the job, and job-related references that can be used to make more indepth inquiries concerning the applicant. Laws may vary from state to state…

This paper describes the first stages of a project focusing on the use of preservice-­teacher-­generated e-­Portfolios as a means of documenting and assessing inquiry-­based teaching and learning. The project is designed to explore ways in which preservice teacher-created e-­Portfolios can be used to (1) document how inquiry lives in practice, and…

Afterschool math hours are most often spent on homework help, tutoring, drill, and test-preparation with instructors who may not be certified teachers or mathematics educators. While such "extra math help" may be of value, it is unreasonable to expect students to enjoy learning experiences based on workbook-style exercises. The In…

In the framework of a curriculum reform in the Netherlands, an interdisciplinary open inquiry assignment has been introduced as a part of the final secondary school examinations. We developed and evaluated a preparatory open inquiry assignment to be used in science and mathematics departments of schools, in collaboration with each other: the…

Part of a K-12 sequential series, this teacher's guide provides objectives and activities for social studies students in kindergarten and first grade. Five major sections cover learning, inquiry, and discussion skills, concepts, and values and moral reasoning. Learning skills include listening, speaking, viewing, reading, writing, and map and…

Students' interests are assessed in human geography and in the man-land orientation (how people have adjusted and adapted their environment). The major problems investigated are to determine which areas of human geography are of most interest to upper elementary students, and to assess the perceptions of these students regarding the best place to…

This booklet introduces elementary school teachers to the methodology, climate, aims, and objectives necessary for the teaching of philosophical thinking to grade schoolers. The methodology casts the teacher as a facilitator whose primary task is stimulating children to reason about their own problems. The discussion process with hints and guides…

This yearbook consists of two distinct parts. In part one, Concepts and Techniques in Geography, eight academic geographers review the thrust of recent research in the branches of the discipline with little or no reference made to the implications of these developments to elementary and secondary education. Two essays deal with man/land…

An inquiry-conceptual program framework for social studies education is described. Guidelines for implementation of the suggested program are set forth, and a model for planning the basic sequence of learning experiences is developed. Effective teaching/learning techniques are outlined. An annotated list of elementary social studies materials and…

Elementary teachers and principals enrolled in an elementary education graduate course developed this guide which interprets and applies the concept of inquiry teaching and learning. The purpose of the guide is to bridge the gap between the theory of the inquiry process and its use in the classroom. It is written for use by elementary educators as…