Examining Teachers’ Understandings of Inquiry Research: What It Tells Us About Professional Development Efforts

• In Event: Examining the Impact of Teacher Inquiry as a Professional Development Tool

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the understandings teachers’ develop of the inquiry research process over a three-year period. Additionally, we explore the themes that emerge as important when considering how to scaffold teachers’ understandings of inquiry. The participants include ten teachers and the main sources of data collection are their inquiry write-ups from 2008-2010 as well as interviews. Results thus far indicate that these teachers exhibit growth in their ability to develop strong inquiry questions, but struggle to understand the methodological considerations of those questions and to analyze their data. The implications of these results are discussed for their significance when using inquiry as a vehicle for the professional development of school educators.

Authors

• Vicki A. Vescio, University of Florida

• Tanetha Jamay Grosland, University of South Florida

• Cara A. Walsh, University of Florida

• Janice Schomburg, Pinellas County Schools