The
reading assignment for the week focuses on teaching science through
inquiry. The inquiry method has evolved due to the fact that leaders in
the field of science have recognized the need for the subject to be taught in
correlation with actual methods used by scientists. The chapter
emphasizes what is known as the 5E learning model which is considered effective
in encouraging inquiry. The model incorporates engagement, exploration,
explanation, elaboration, and evaluation. The textbook tells us it is being
included in science curriculums on all levels of education.
I feel that the fact that the
world of education is embracing this technique is exciting. If a child is
taught science at the elementary level using methods that correspond with
genuine scientific methods, it could open doors for children to pursue the
field of science later in life. Too often children are turned off by
being fed facts to be memorized, for test taking purposes only. It is only natural to wonder how
many of us in this class could have had futures in the field of science had
their interest not been snuffed out at an early age with boring teaching.
Since it is a field that is sorely lacking in America, incorporating inquiry
into curriculum is, I believe, the
right way to go.
What do YOU think are
the advantages to teaching science in this way? Did you have a science teacher who approached
the teaching of science using this inquiry method?
I think any new way of learning science is something that teachers should embrace (if it is effective) like Gabriella said, if we are only learning facts to take a test, the chances are low that the students will remember the material in the long run.
ReplyDeleteThe 5E method sounds like a good idea but I also think it depends on the material. If the students can get through the 5 steps and have a better understanding of the lesson, then it will be successful.
I feel that the inquiry method is the best approach to science. I can remember little about science because most of it was straight from the text book. The lesson I remember were hands on and exploring, evaluating etc. I can remember all the way back to kindergarten watching the life cycle of a butterfly, and in later years growing crystals, watching a plant grow, and making a volcano erupt. Those were all activities that were hands on and involved the inquiry method. This provides curiosity and excitement to actually see how things work. I feel that this should be incorporated into a classroom as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that this new method of teaching science is the way to go. Growing up I had always hated science (and I still do). I have no one else to blame but all of my past teachers. They did nothing more than lecture and have us memorize. Even in high school, unless you were in the advanced science classes, you were not doing anything but being lectured and told to memorize definitions. Meanwhile, the advanced students were dissecting frogs and other animals. Doing something like that would have intrigued me and may have sparked my interest in the science field but unfortunately it's too late for that.
ReplyDeleteHowever it is not to late for our future students. I think using the new inquiry method would be a great way to create future scientists and future science teachers.
I agree with my classmates. Teaching students this new way of learning is much more beneficial to them. They are much more likely to remember something they did rather than memorizing and reading from a textbook. Especially at the elementary levels, many students are hands-on learners. By doing different experiments and things like that, students are more inclined to keep the knowledge they learned with them, because it was fun and exciting for them.
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