Cogeneration of Pragmatic Structure to Support Sustained Inquiry Over a School Year

• In Event: Science and Inquiry in Technology-Based Learning Environments

Abstract

This study explores the dynamic process by which a grade 5 community co-generated pragmatic structure (research cycle) to support its inquiry about the human body across a whole school year using Knowledge Forum. Qualitative analysis of rich classroom data elaborated the evolution of research cycles across different levels. Analysis of student interviews indicated that these research cycles were used and adapted by students to position and monitor progress and plan for further inquiry. Analyses of student online discourse and focal research questions also showed that students made more productive contributions and moved to more advanced research in later inquiry.

Authors

• Dan Tao, University at Albany - SUNY

• Jianwei Zhang, University at Albany - SUNY

• Dandan Gao, East China Normal University