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ERIC Number: EJ1452402
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1450-104X
EISSN: EISSN-2077-2327
Reconciling Teachers' Views and Practices with Early Graders' Ability to Engage in Scientific Inquiry
Mjege Kinyota
Science Education International, v34 n4 p274-282 2023
This study used a three-phase design to explore how teachers' views and practices of scientific inquiry can be reconciled with early graders' ability to engage in scientific inquiry. First, 19 early years teachers were interviewed to explore their views and practices of scientific inquiry. Second, six standard two students were exposed to a problem-solving situation so that their ability to engage in scientific inquiry could be assessed. Finally, six standard two teachers who involved in designing the problem and who also observed students solving the problem were interviewed to explore any changes in their views. The six teachers also participated during the first phase. The findings indicated that teachers had distrust in early graders' ability to engage in scientific inquiry, which corresponded to their rare practice of it. They also perceived large class sizes and unsupportive curriculum as barriers to engaging children in scientific inquiry. Further, the findings indicated that, under specific conditions, early graders are able to engage in some inquiry activities such as framing questions, designing and conducting investigations. Furthermore, changes in teachers' beliefs and understanding of scientific inquiry were noted. Creating supportive curriculum and classroom environments for nurturing children's inquiry are highly recommended.
International Council of Associations for Science Education. Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Education, Buca, Izmir 35150, Turkey. Tel: +90-532-4267927; Fax: +90-232-4204895; Web site: http://www.icaseonline.net/seiweb/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Tanzania
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A