Inquiry Continuum

Traditional Hands-on Science Experiences

    We are all familiar with these "cookbook" experiences. The Teacher directs the decision making from topic to conclusion. We also know that for some teachers this step would be a major improvement over their 45 minute daily lecture. So this is not bad science, it simply is not inquiry science.

Structured Science Experiences

    During a structured laboratory experience, students are required to reach their own conclusions based on supportive evidence. On the inquiry continuum providing a structured experience is a major step for both the teacher and their students. I mention students, because we must not forget that our students must go through the same basic developmental process as teachers.

Guided Inquiry

    Guided inquiry still has the teacher selecting the topic, the question, and providing the material, but students are required to design the investigation, analyze the results, and reach supportable conclusions. A recent teacher workshop suggested that both the teacher and the student be listed under the procedures and design section. They pointed out that many times we must fluctuate between teacher and student directed at these interface components.

Student Directed Inquiry

    At this point the student is responsible for everything beyond the general topic and maybe a little guidance with question development. I believe this is in fact the level of inquiry being suggested by the National Standards.

Student Research

    This is the inquiry ultimate goal. At this point the student simply needs support and guidance from the teacher. I do not believe that this is a goal to be met by all or even most of our students, but our teachers must understand how to help students who have both the interest, drive and ability to pursue true research. In other words, we must introduce our pre-service teacher to doing real research, if we ever hope to have them develop programs for their own students.

From Inquiry: Learning from the past with an eye on the future by Ronald Bonnstetter