Inquiry science is often challenging for students. Many students may have limited lab experiences and/or never participated in an inquiry type activity. Often, students have only had lab experiences in which they follow a “cookbook” lab with a predetermined outcome. Students may have had a “hands-on” science experience, but its been presented without a conceptual understanding of the science behind the activity.
One challenge is getting students to “buy in” to the inquiry process and move toward self-direction. Inquiry is hard work – for both students and teachers - and it challenges students to think in new ways. In this video clip, watch the teacher as she uses questioning to support the learning of two of her students.
CONSIDER THIS:
As you watch this video...
- How does the probing questions support the students in working thought the process rather than giving up?
- In this clip, the teacher spends time with each student and scaffolds the process even more. How can you manage this in the classroom? What steps must you consider as you allow time for each group of students?
