A Guided Inquiry Learning Approach in a Web Environment: Theory and Application 4th International Conference on e-Learning and 4th International Conference on Information 1st – 3rd Sept. 2005 Irfan Naufal Umar Sajap Maswan Universiti Sains Malaysia

Introduction Internet & World wide web Web purposes Information Entertainment Business / commercials Education, training, etc.

Issue Majority of EWS is designed for tutorial purposes Tutorial: linear and sequential. A deductive approach More EWS with inquiry, inductive approach needed

Inquiry Definition involves careful observation and measurement ‘ the art and science of asking questions that are accessible, can be answered in part or in whole, and ones that lead to meaningful tests and explorations’ (Hebrank, 2004) involves careful observation and measurement hypothesizing and interpreting theorizing

Inquiry it requires Experimentation Reflection Recognition of strengths and weaknesses of its own methods not only in science, but also in other disciplines – social sciences, arts, humanities

Inquiry Based Learning A way of acquiring knowledge through the process of inquiry Learners generate their own question OR are posed with a question by the teacher / computer An active role of the learners – through discovery, investigation, experimentation

Inquiry Based Learning In Malaysia, the focuses of learning in our science education are towards inquiry approach, the development of scientific thinking and skills, research and problem solving, the application of principles of science, as well as the assimilation of scientific attitude and moral values Curriculum Development Centre (1993)

Inquiry Based Learning Types of Inquiry Approach Structured Inquiry (Level I) Guided Inquiry (Level II) Open Inquiry (Level III) (Herron, 1971) The difference: degree of commitment from the learners

Inquiry Based Learning Types of Inquiry Approach Structured Inquiry learners conduct investigation & discovery based on the questions and procedures provided by the teacher/computer

Inquiry Based Learning Types of Inquiry Approach Guided Inquiry learners investigate based on the questions posed by the teacher/ computer, they determine the discovery procedures

Inquiry Based Learning Types of Inquiry Approach Open Inquiry learners investigate and explore based on the questions and procedures that they have to construct

Inquiry Based Learning Prominent researchers Schulman & Tamir (1973) Teacher/computer provides the basic element Learners make generalization Teacher/computer acts as facilitator who poses questions to stimulate learners in their discovery processes Collins & Stevens (1983) Theory of Inquiry Teaching : learners develop their own theories based on the procedures that they have learned

Theoretical Background Paradigm Shift in Education Behaviorism Cognitivism Constructivism Changes in instructional approaches

Behaviorism Learning : the change in behavior as a result of feedback & reinforcement Contributions Learning objectives Programmed instruction

Cognitivism Studies on how individuals Process input / stimulus Receive, organize, maintain and utilize information The use of graph / visual The use of hierarchy / structure

Constructivism learners actively construct knowledge by working to solve realistic problem, usually in collaboration with others Interactivity Discovery

Constructivism Learning should be Learners will Constructive Reflective Collaborative Inquiry based Evolving Learners will Ask questions Create hypotheses Investigate Use resources Find solution Draw conclusion Revisit conclusion for more exploration INQUIRY APPROACH

Tutorial Introduction Present information Question & response Judge Response Feedback or Remediation Closing Cycle

Feedback or Remediation Tutorial Alessi & Trollip Model (2001) Question & Response Introductory Section Present Information Closing Judge Response Feedback or Remediation

Learning Cycle (Lawson) Three core elements Exploration Term introduction Concept Application

Learning Cycle Lawson Learning Cycle Model (1995) Exploration Term Introduction Concept Application Exploration Term Introduction Concept Application Lawson Learning Cycle Model (1995)

Learning Cycle (Lawson) Exploration Learners begin the learning process by exploring a given issue, question, or problem that is related to the content The teacher / WBE provides guidance to learners to observe, measure and record data / information They are encouraged to collaborate with their peers to conduct the analysis

Learning Cycle (Lawson) Term Introduction Learners will be introduced to the terms and concepts (by teachers / WBE) Concepts / terms will be clarified, and any misconceptions be corrected

Learning Cycle (Lawson) Concept Application Learners will apply the concepts that they have learned to a new, different situation This cycle will continue until the learner understands the concepts and experiences meaningful learning

Learning Cycle Lawson Learning Cycle Model (1995) Exploration Term Introduction Concept Application Exploration Term Introduction Concept Application Lawson Learning Cycle Model (1995)

Theory of Inquiry Teaching Instructional Techniques / strategies to assist learners derive rules and theories : Selecting positive and negative exemplars Varying cases systematically Selecting counterexamples Generating hypothetical cases Forming hypotheses Testing hypotheses Considering alternative predictions Entrapping students Tracing consequences of the misconceptions Collins & Stevens (1983)

Guided Inquiry Approach Questions / Problems Response & Feedback Introduction Discovery / Guidance Concept / Rule Development Application of the Concept / Rule to a New Problem

Guided Inquiry Approach Introduction Learning goals, objectives Overall structure of the WBE Concept map Outline hierarchy GIL approach

Guided Inquiry Approach Question / Problem to stimulate learner’s discovery process Learner will respond to the question or explore the relevant info GIL approach

Guided Inquiry Approach Response & Feedback Incorrect response --- will be guided by WBL A correct response --- a concept / rule will be presented GIL approach

Guided Inquiry Approach Concept / Rule Development Following a correct response to enhance learner’s understanding of the new knowledge Will be used for subsequent problems or questions GIL approach

Guided Inquiry Approach Concept / Rule Application WBE should provide more problems / questions to allow learners apply the concepts and rules acquired earlier GIL approach

An Example of GIL approach

1. QUESTION / PROBLEM

2. DISCOVERY / GUIDANCE

2. DISCOVERY / GUIDANCE

3. FEEDBACK FOR INCORRECT RESPONSE

3. FEEDBACK FOR CORRECT RESPONSE

3. CONCEPT / RULE DEVELOPMENT

4. CONCEPT / RULE APPLICATION

Example: Introductory section – prepare learners (www.cosi.org/onlineExhibits/simpMach/sm2.html)

Question / Problem to stimulate learners for Exploration (www. cosi Question / Problem to stimulate learners for Exploration (www.cosi.org/onlineExhibits/simpMach/sm2.html)

Learners will be guided if they provide incorrect response

If the response is correct, the learners will be presented with the concept or rule. Then, the concept or rule will be used to solve a new problem.

SUMMARY Guided Inquiry Approach promotes exploratory, discovery learning should be considered in designing a WBE. Several instructional strategies and techniques need to be applied.

Thank You