Structured Inquiry
Kinsey Golden, Michelle Tuttle, and Shona Weirich
What is structured inquiry?
According to Heather Banchi and Randy Bell, "Structured inquiry, the question and procedure are still provided by the teacher; however, students generate an explanation supported by the evidence they have collected." (Banchi & Bell)
Structured inquiry is very commonly used in elementary science. Structured inquiry is a gateway to guided and open inquiry.
What's the difference between the different type of inquiry?
Inquiry-Based Learning in the Science Classroom
What is the role of the teacher during structured inquiry?
- The teacher takes on the role of the classroom coach
- Calls the "plays" for the students to carry out in small groups
- Assists and clarifies the directions the directions for each group as needed
What does the teacher do?
- Provides specific steps for students to follow
- Provides materials and supplies for the activity
- Encourages students to work as group
- Occasionally asks probing type questions to check for understanding
- Answers questions that do not need to be researched
- Monitors room to ensure all students are participating
For more information on inquiry-based learning see video below.
What is Inquiry-Based Learning?
References:
Banchi, H., & Bell, R. (2008, October). The Many Levels of Inquiry. Science and Children, 26-29. Retrieved June 20, 2016, from http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/lessons/files/2013/05/The-Many-Levels-of-Inquiry-NSTA-article.pdf
Inquiry-Based Learning in the Science Classroom. (2015). Retrieved June 21, 2016, from http://www.edutopia.org/practice/inquiry-based-learning-science-classroom
Llewellyn, D. (n.d.). DIFFERENTIATED SCIENCE INQUIRY. Retrieved June 23, 2016, from http://slideplayer.com/slide/4547057/
What is Inquiry-Based Learning? (2014). Retrieved June 21, 2016, from https://youtu.be/u84ZsS6niPc