Why Inquiry?Inquiry labs promote deeper student thinking.
I believe that when students are focused the steps of inquiry, they are forced to engage with the lab more deeply. They need to understand what they're doing and where it will take them; they can't just go through the motions. In inquiry labs, students make stronger connections between theory and practice as they use evidence they've collected to support a scientific argument. Because, really, which chemistry teacher wants to read insightful conclusions like this one? "Conclusion: This lab was fun. We should do more labs." |
In the beginning, my goal was deeper student thinking. In implementing inquiry labs, I've learned there's much more to be gained as well:
I am really pleased with the shift inquiry has brought to my practice.
- Inquiry labs empower students. When I turn over control and ask my students to problem-solve, I send the message that they are capable and intelligent.
- Inquiry labs allow for creativity and independence. There are often several valid routes to a solution!
- Inquiry labs build community and encourage teamwork. I've noticed an increase in productive student-to-student communication during labs.
- Inquiry labs build resilience. Over the term, my students became better able to deal with uncertainty and frustration. In later labs they could embrace the feeling of not knowing, and work through the uncertainty.
- Inquiry labs are engaging. I was worried that managing an inquiry lab would be chaotic. So far, though, I've noticed my students are too busy to be off-task. Active problem-solving is required in these labs.
I am really pleased with the shift inquiry has brought to my practice.