Session 5: Strategies for teaching Science

Inquiry based learning is an investigative approach – students are able to investigate a problem and look for a solution. They need to test out their ideas, be creative and explore solutions. (https://ssec.si.edu/stemvisions-blog/what-inquiry-based-science) Challenges students to develop their thinking and understanding and evaluate to create new understanding. Students have to investigate, gain understanding and construct meaning. In contrast to this Osbourne and Freyberg’s Generative Learning Model is much more teacher or expert directed.

The model has three phases. Phase 1, is ‘Focus’. In this part of the model the students are given the context for the exploration. They meant to be motivated and interested. Phase 2 of the model is challenging and comparing the student’s ideas with those of the scientist. Phase 3 is the application of the ideas through discussion and analysis. (Dawson and Venville, 2007, p136)

The problem with this model is that it does not seem to allow much opportunity for inquiry-based learning. The teacher’s role in phase one seems to be to begin the process of inquiry. However, from that point on there is no mention of encouraging the students to question and follow their own lines of inquiry. More than that there is no mention of exploring and using in hands on investigation, which is a powerful tool for increasing understanding and helping the students draw evidence based conclusions. (NESA, 2017)

The other gaps in the model are the lack of explicit opportunity for students to express their ideas developing scientific understanding and language. There is also a lack of opportunity for students to elaborate on their understanding and apply what they have learnt, perhaps even designing a solution.

In a more constructivist model of learning the students themselves are the scientists – questioning, experimenting and testing, drawing conclusions, critically thinking and problem solving. Osbourne and Freyberg’s Generative Learning Model seems to leave out some of these critical steps.