Essential Features of Classroom Inquiry and Their Variations |
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Essential Feature |
Variations |
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Learner engages in scientifically oriented questions |
Learner poses a question |
Learner selects among questions, poses new questions |
Learner sharpens or clarifies a question provided by the teacher, materials, or other source |
Learner engages in a question provided by the teacher, materials, or other source |
Learner gives priority to evidence in responding to questions |
Learner determines what constitutes evidence and collects it |
Learner is directed to collect certain data |
Learner is given data and asked to analyze |
Learner is given data and told how to analyze |
Learner formulates explanations from evidence |
Learner formulates explanations after summarizing evidence |
Learner is guided in process of formulating explanations from evidence |
Learner is given possible ways to use evidence to formulate explanation |
Learner is provided with evidence |
Learner connects explanations to scientific knowledge |
Learner independently examines other resources and forms the links to explanations |
Learner is directed toward areas and sources of scientific knowledge |
Learner is given possible connections |
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Learner communicates and justifies explanations |
Learner forms reasonable and logical argument to communicate explanation |
Learner is coached in development of communication |
Learner is provided broad guidelines to use to sharpen communication |
Learner is given steps and procedures for communication |
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Source: National Research Council. 2002. Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards: A Guide for Teaching and Learning. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. |
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