Providing Investigation Choices to Promote Learner-Directed Inquiry

• In Event: Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Exploring the Space of Science Pedagogical Practices

Abstract

This paper presents preliminary findings from a pilot study investigating the effect of learner-directed inquiry (i.e., students are scaffolded in choosing from a set of five inquiry investigations which ones to complete and in what order) on students’ conceptual learning and understanding about the seasons. The study was implemented using Investigating Seasons (or Seasons), a Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE) high school curriculum unit designed to support students in conducting various inquiry investigations using dynamic visualizations, and developing and reflecting on explanations for the seasons.

Author

• Jennifer King Chen, University of California - Berkeley