Discusses: (1) inquiry science teaching; (2) characteristics of stable and fluid inquiry; and (3) using science textbooks to develop activities which reflect the fluid or tentative nature of scientific knowledge. (JN)

Discusses the need for students to develop understanding of science by designing their own laboratory experiments. Lists examples of concepts that can be taught through student-designed biology experiments. Also gives suggestions and guidelines to ensure that laboratory time is manageable and productive. (DH)

Evaluated is a Science Process Skills test to determine instrument reliability and validity for measuring science inquiry skills of inference and verification. Students involved were fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. Results indicate the instrument is valid, but reliability is low, particulary for the inference subtest. (SL)

After reviewing both a scientific view and a political view of how American government should be taught, some lessons that political scientists can learn from teaching American government are detailed. The lessons include political inquiry, knowledge about methodology, and insight into the relationship of science and political society. (ND)

Two models for teaching people to think, the Deweyan problem-solving model and the traditional discipline-oriented model, are described and evaluated. (GW)

The purpose of this study is to investigate story telling-retelling as a learning strategy to facilitate meaningful learning on environmental education in web-based learning environments. Because story telling is a way of making meaning of the individual and social life, it can build a richer context so that learners can enhance environmental…

Instead of designing by following prescriptive models, students may benefit by approaching design as a process of free inquiry. This paper considers the impact of this inquiry-based approach on students' thinking by considering the ways that students represented the design process at the end of an inquiry-based design course.

The ENVISION professional development model is designed to enhance teachers' understanding of environmental science concepts, inquiry, and inquiry teaching. In essence, teachers learn environmental science content, learn about scientific inquiry, and learn about how to teach science through inquiry. Further, participants are responsible for…

This paper defines the nature of purposeful science teaching, describing how two Virginia professional development programs for teachers utilized science faculty for instruction in inquiry-based science. Both projects involved summer institutes for teachers that modeled inquiry-based science teaching so that teachers could seriously implement the…

This paper analyses changes in the quality of a mathematical task as a result of its reformulation from a proof mode into an inquiry-based mode. The task is borrowed from the reformulation assignment given to the in-service teachers. The analysis of the task is based on implementation of the task with pre-service teachers. Through the lens of the…

This paper tries to present a careful analysis of current trends and challenges to importing Japanese model of teachers' professional development. The objective is to examine what "we" can learn from Japanese approach to improving instruction, especially "Jugyou Kenkyu" (Lesson Study) as a collaborative research on the…

This teacher's guide is based on "DragonflyTV" investigations which focus on real kids doing inquiry-based science investigations. Activities include: (1) "Investigation To Explore Skateboards"; (2) "Investigations To Explore Otters"; and (3) "Investigations To Explore Waterslides." (YDS)

An effective teacher must continue to learn, problem-solve, and respond to the evolving needs of his or her students. Ideally a culture of inquiry, reflection, and self-evaluation should develop. Voluntary inquiry-based reflection identifies problems and issues within a school and allows teachers and administrators to develop professional study…

Within a conceptual and research framework about the usefulness of portfolios, this book suggests methods to organize the process, and provides tools that will be used not only during preparation programs but also for professional and academic advancement. Key features include: (1) Provides a conceptual framework for portfolio development: Readers…

Organization sustainability depends on the creation of innovative partnerships that engage organization members at all levels in setting strategy and achieving goals. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is an approach to exploring what gives life to human systems when they function at their best. The use of an AI approach to strategic planning, invites…