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Development of student inquiry skills in a computerised classroom environment: Preliminary results
Conference paper

Development of student inquiry skills in a computerised classroom environment: Preliminary results

D. Maor
5th Annual Research Forum of the Western Australian Institute for Educational Research (WAIER) (Murdoch University, Murdoch, W.A, 24/08/1990–25/08/1990)
1990
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Abstract

Increasing emphasis is being given to a Science-Technology Society (STS) approach to learning in order to develop students' higher order thinking skills, and their creative and technological abilities to cope in a modern information society. This presentation will discuss a research study in progress that adopts an STS approach which involves the use of a computerised research science database (Birds of the Antarctica), and specially designed curriculum materials. The purpose of the study is to investigate the extent to which this approach can facilitate the development of students' inquiry skills. Much effort is given in the program to developing both students' inquiry skills and subject-matter knowledge. A 'constructivist' view of learning is being employed to interpret students' knowledge and skills development as they interact with the computerised database and the curriculum materials in Year 11 and 12 classes in two Perth secondary schools. The researcher and teachers are engaged in a collaborative approach; the teachers are facilitators of students' learning, and the researcher observes and interacts with students. This presentation will elaborate on an inquiry skills instrument and a Computer Classroom Environment Inventory (CCEI) specially designed for the study. Preliminary findings about students' initial abilities and perceptions will be discussed.

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