Teachers can help students make relevant considerations by (1) asking appropriate clarifying questions which stimulate students to reflect on their own and others' values and the ethics of their positions and (2) using preplanned values activities such as brainstorming, rank orders, continuum, and lists. (RM)

A reassessment of John Dewey's theory of inquiry offers theoretical, practical, and ethical gains to be made in educational research. This paper explores methods of inquiry and shows how Dewey's position is incompatible with empiricist assumptions. Several misunderstandings are identified and discussed. (DF)

Argues that ethnography, because of its holistic, cross-cultural perspective, provides an inquiry process by which open-ended questions can be asked that will result in new insights about American schooling. Discusses why traditional ethnography is inadequate to the study of schools and sketches first steps of the field work inquiry process. (CMG)

A review of suggestions for curriculum materials and guidelines by different authors and educational groups shows general agreement that inquiry teaching is the most effective method for teaching social studies. Questions are offered as a way of improving social studies curriculum materials and the quality of learning and teaching. (IS)

An attempt is made to sketch recent educational trends shaping present practices, with brief assessments of nineteen specific innovations in the basic areas of teaching strategies, learning outcomes, instructional programs, and societal factors affecting education. (MB)

The objective of this study was to investigate how two application lessons at the end of an earth science curriculum contributed to two different types of classroom: generative and authoritative. This study used Vygotsky's views to interpret earth science learning in the elementary classroom. The research questions were: How do fifth grade…

This paper maps methodological attempts the researcher made during dissertation fieldwork to marry arts-based inquiry and literacy research. The dissertation focused on the symbolic illiteracies and aesthetic learning practices of middle school girls in an urban arts program, Dramagirls. Two specific arts-based methods, Reggio-Emilia-based visual…

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Reading Initiative and this Inquiry Study: "Exploring Visions of Literacy" invites study groups to embark on a professional journey no individual can fully predict. Through considering the visions of several leading literacy educators (B. Cambourne, M.A.K. Halliday, J. Harste, S.…

This paper discusses a process for developing inquiry-based activities using WebQuests in which a majority of the information used by students is generated from the Internet. This structured activity facilitates effective use of student's time; focuses on using and applying information; and develops higher level thinking skills. Classroom Internet…

An Eisenhower-funded science improvement project with activities endorsed by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), including science as inquiry and technology integration, was conducted by Valdosta State University (VSU) for four years in four Georgia Counties. Positive results…

This document, an inquiry-based curriculum supplement that includes materials for both teachers and students, is designed to develop an understanding among students about oral health. Contents include: (1) "About the National Institutes of Health"; (2) "About the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research"; (3) "Introduction to Open…

The objective of this study was to investigate how two application lessons at the end of an earth science curriculum contributed to two different types of classroom: generative and authoritative. This study used Vygotsky's views to interpret earth science learning in the elementary classroom. The research questions were: How do fifth grade…

This paper reports on a study of what it means to create authentic learning experiences for teachers and students in a southern urban elementary school context. A teacher education model emphasizing local environmental, cultural and historical themes, structured inquiry-based learning, and student-directed assessment strategies was implemented. We…

This document describes the research project Modeling for Understanding in Science Education (MUSE) which focuses on the improvement of high school students' learning. MUSE research investigated how lower and high achieving students learned to reason, inquire, present, and critique scientific arguments in a genetics course taught during the spring…

This publication presents examples of inquiry-based science teaching in which students develop an understanding of the natural world. Sections include: (1) "Connecting Students to Science and the World" (Jennifer Stepanek); (2) "Apple Orchard Lush with Life's Lessons" (Helen Silvis); (3) "Student Scientists Team Up with the Pros" (Amy Sutton); (4)…