Sciencline Online Learning Community
Sample Discussion
Hands-on vs Inquiry Science
The fourteen messages in this discussion were originally posted in a Scienceline Learning Community during a workshop in August 2001.
Thursday, August 09, 2001
Hands-on vs Inquiry
GF
I was a little confused on the difference between hands on and inquiry? Aren't hands-on activities part of inquiry-based learning?
Thursday, August 09, 2001
Re: Hands-on vs Inquiry
PB
THANK YOU, G...I've been waiting to hear that question since Monday!!!
Thursday, August 09, 2001
Re(2): Hands-on vs Inquiry
CW
Good question G. I thought inquiry based teaching was hands-on learning too. Is there a distinct difference?
Thursday, August 09, 2001
Re(3): Hands-on vs Inquiry
DW
What about this question? What's the difference between inquiry and constructivism?
Thursday, August 09, 2001
Re(3): Hands-on vs Inquiry
HJ
I think inquiry has to do with the process and types of questions. I think that an activity can be inquiry without being hands on and vice-versa. It all depends on the approach.
Thursday, August 09, 2001
Re(4): Hands-on vs Inquiry
KB
From what I understand, the two are very similar, if not the same; since constructivism is allowing the students to construct their own knowledge, isn't that what we have been talking about with inquiry?
Thursday, August 09, 2001
Re(4): Hands-on vs Inquiry
RG
Constructivism is an overarching mindset/philosophy/paradigm regarding how we view student learning and how best to affect student learning.
The question is, do students learn by teachers "transmitting" information to them through lectures, texts, worksheets, and testing? Or, does learning occur by learners constructing meaning by integrating new information or experiences into preestablished neural networks or learned scaffolds (prior knowledge) through more authentic, integrated, open-ended investigations of relevant topics?
Inquiry describes an instructional methodolgy that supports constructivism.
Thursday, August 09, 2001
Re(4): Hands-on vs Inquiry
EW
Inquiry lessons can definitely include a hands-on element. I think the biggest misconception some educators have is thinking that a hands-on activity automatically fosters inquiry.
Thursday, August 09, 2001
Re(5): Hands-on vs Inquiry
HJ
Exactly!!! Inquiry is the educators approach to the thinking and the questioning.
Thursday, August 09, 2001
Re(6): Hands-on vs Inquiry
BW
What comes first? Constructivism, or inquiry?
Thursday, August 09, 2001
Re(7): Hands-on vs Inquiry
KB
That's like asking what comes first, the chicken or the egg? Is there a right answer?
Thursday, August 09, 2001
Hands-On vs Inquiry
PS
I see hands-on as the use of manipulatives. My question is what's the difference between inquiry and discovery ? Are these learning or teaching strategies or both?
Is inquiry the act of questioning, but if that's so, to find the answer you are discovering right? If you are discovering didn't you need to question something first?
Does the teacher or the student or both do the questioning? I for one want a straight answer!
Thursday, August 09, 2001
Re: Hands-on vs. Inquiry
JJ
In Montessori we use a lot of hands-on equipment. The equipment is designed to be used in a specific way with very little inquiry or exploration. After the student can use the equipment competently. They then more on to further work or inquiry work. The are asked and I wonder question. Hopefully this will spark the students interest to start the inquiry or exploration part of the lesson.
Thursday, August 09, 2001
Re(5): Hands-on vs. Inquiry
PB
DW writes:
How about this question? What's the difference between inquiry and constructivism?
Terrific! Just as good, if not better!! Let's just remember to keep the other one in mind, too. I'm getting replies to that one in my mailbox, but they'd benefit the entire community if they're sent to the conference, instead.
This exchange just keeps getting richer and richer!! Go, guys! You're fantastic.
