This study was designed to investigate (a) the feasibility of modifying an existing question classification scheme for use in measuring the inquiry level of teachers' questions and (b) the relationship between the inquiry level of teacher questioning and student achievement. Data for the study were collected from three specific classroom…

Validity and reliability data for the first three of the Mid-Continent Regional Educational Laboratory (McREL) tests of the inquiry skills of secondary school biology students are tabulated and discussed. Two of the tests, Explorations in Biology (EIB) numbers 1 and 3, and SE 011 334, SE 011 335, SE 011 336, and SE 011 337 meet minimum criterion…

Citation frequency and the opinion of faculty in New York University's School of Education were used to determine 52 authors who were influential in advocating the use of inquiry methods between 1960 and 1970. Each writer's principles of inquiry were classified in terms of Dewey's "phases of reflective thought" and their statements concerning the…

This review describes some of the main research findings and issues that center around teachers' use of questions in classroom instruction. The paper is divided into sections dealing with: (1) the classification of questions by type, (2) teachers' questioning practices, (3) effects of teachers' questions on students' behavior, (4) students'…

With the encouragement of parents and teachers, many young people would raise more questions than they typically do about nature. Examples of questions about animals which might lead to creative, thought-provoking discussions and explorations are offered. (CB)

Provides reflections on the characteristics of a 'community of inquiry' and how it is formed with elementary school children. (JDH)

A theoretical framework describing second-order philosophical processes that can be productive for human movement studies is presented. The processes of edification and theory building can clarify issues, expand viewpoints, and establish systematic ways of dealing with a phenomenon, leading to the more mature forms of dialogues and theories. (MT)

One of the current interpretive approaches in social science research is that of the German philosopher, Hans-Georg Gadamer. Gadamer's dialectical hermeneutics sees interpretation as being grounded in an understanding that is historical, dialectical, and linguistic. Describes the author's use of this method in an art education research project.…

Educators from around the state, with the help of The Vermont Institutes, developed Vermont History and Social Sciences Grade Cluster Expectations (GCEs) as a means to identify the content knowledge and skills expected of all students for local assessment required under Act 68. This work was accomplished using the "Vermont's Framework of…

This book describes nearly 30 protocols or "scripts" for conducting meetings, conversations, and other learning experiences among educators. Chapter 1, "The Basic Ideas," explains the basic ideas underlying the rest of the book, discussing why educators should educate themselves and making the case for exploring student work as…

Observation is an extremely important aspect of science investigations and is one of the process skills that is a focal point in science education. This ERIC Digest describes the importance of process skills, specifically observation, for student learning and discusses implications for teaching and research. (Contains 18 references.) (YDS)

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) has emerged as a powerful organization development philosophy that builds on past successes to impel positive change. AI is a highly participative, holistic approach to change that values the wisdom of members of the organization and amplifies positive forces. This session will introduce AI as a tool to enhance…

Most middle school science curriculum has been created to provide superficial treatment of the different subject areas (earth, life, and physical science), and in-depth coverage of very little. The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) criticism of the typical American school curriculum is that it is a "mile wide and an…

This paper presents the results of a study concerning the use of text in support of firsthand scientific inquiry instruction in the early elementary grades. A partial transcript of two teaching sessions in which an expert classroom teacher incorporated text into her inquiry instruction is investigated. The knowledge gained from these sessions…

This handbook features a presentation that summarizes the main ideas and current approaches in inquiry-based, content-rich mathematics education. This presentation is a product of Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS) professional development efforts, and has been used with teachers, administrators, parents, and at diverse community…