Inquiry method is the ultimate goal, but I foresee the ISAT, the use of textbooks and worksheets, an established curriculum and the limited time devoted to science will also factor into the reality of teaching. A curriculum can be a framework where a teacher can incorporate his or her creativity to foster understanding.
During my clinicals, I observed a lesson on measurement. The book provided pictures of test tubes, rulers, etc. The teacher mentioned that she wished she had the items to show to the class so that they could explore the items and they would understand them better. Surprisingly, many science materials were not available to her. The materials that are needed need may be costly and may not be available. Fortunately, teachers can do much to obtain the needed supplies. There are many opportunities to incorporate and use accessible, common everyday items to launch a lesson. Also, there are ways to apply for grants that will provide classroom resources.
I am finally starting to apprehend why the inquiry method surpasses all other methods of teaching science. Inquiry promotes learning with understanding and goes beyond factual knowledge. I now recognize that inquiry begins without any explanations or solutions. It is a way to create interest and spark curiosity while finding out what the students know. I wish I would have read this before my presentation! I gave definitions, solutions, lecture and conclusions and now understand that this is done later in the lesson. I am excited to read the remaining chapters to gain an even greater insight of the inquiry method.
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I appreciate your reflection on your own activity presentation and how you would have done things differently in light of the reading you have done. You are a reflective practitioner! This is what good teachers do!
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, you will also feel pressures from many sources, and you will encounter obstacles. You mention this in your comment. But these are the very things that will allow your creativity to emerge. And as long as you don't give up on what you know is right for kids, you can go confidently forward!
No more sermonizing from me. I'll save that for class.
Here are some more thoughts about the chapter . . .
More thoughts . . .
This is an interesting chapter. The authors, clearly, do not rule out the use of other, more traditional, teaching methods. However, the authors are just as insistent about their preferred approach to teaching science. When it comes to teaching scientific THINKING, inquiry methods rise to the level of best practice. For many in the profession, the 5-E model is, arguably, the best articulated approach to teaching scientific inquiry.