Views of primary science teachers towards the use of online resources to support the implementation of inquiry learning

Abstract

This study investigates Hong Kong primary science teachers’ understandings of inquiry learning, perceived difficulties in implementing inquiry learning, as well as their current practices of and resistance to using online resources, in order to identify their needs and propose suggestions to address these needs. An online survey has been used to collect data from the primary science teachers taking part in a professional development course. Simple descriptive analyses of the data show that although the teachers’ conceptions of inquiry learning seem to match well with the idea of inquiry learning in general, their misconceptions and high level of perceived difficulties in implementing inquiry learning warrant our attention. As for teachers’ use of online resources, it is found that traditional Web 1.0 resources are more commonly used, and when these online resources are used, teachers take the more dominant role in using them to support lecturing and explaining. Moreover, some associations between inquiry practices and use of online resources are observed. Accordingly, ways to overcome challenges in implementing inquiry learning and using online resources for the teaching and learning of science are discussed.

Keywords:

• inquiry learning
• online resources
• primary science
• World Wide Web
• professional development

Acknowledgements

The project contributing to this article is funded by a grant from the Research Grants Council of the University Grants Committee of Hong Kong. The authors would like to thank the teachers and students who participated in the project.

Notes

1.  A key learning area is a subset of a curriculum structured around fundamental and connected concepts within major knowledge domains.

2.  Science Education in Hong Kong Kindergarten, primary and secondary education http://www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeID=2404&langno=1

3.  http://www.policyaddress.gov.hk/08-09/eng/p51.html

4.  http://www.policyaddress.gov.hk/09-10/eng/p91.html

5.  http://www.policyaddress.gov.hk/11-12/eng/p120.html

6.  http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201112/13/P201112130311.htm

7.  General Studies is a primary inter-disciplinary subject comprising the KLA of Personal, Social and Humanities Education (PSHE), Science Education (SE) and Technology Education (TE).

8.  http://www.hkedcity.net/edb/teachingresources/pri/