‘Didn't Get Expected Answer, Rectify It.’: Teaching science content in an elementary science classroom using hands-on activities

Abstract

The call for inquiry science to be a part of the school science curriculum is popular in many parts of the world. While some research in this area revealed success stories of students' learning when they are engaged in student-directed, open-ended scientific inquiry activities, others are more sceptical about how these activities impact students' learning in and of science. Using the microanalysis of classroom talk in a grade-six science classroom dealing with the conversion of energy, we illustrate the dilemma in communicative approach used by a teacher when using an inductive hands-on activity to teach canonical science content. We unravel the complexity between dialogic–authoritative approaches in establishing learning as well as the need to fulfil the teaching purposes set for each lesson. Here we illustrate how the use of fine grain analysis of classroom talk and interaction can reveal the details of classroom learning, such as mismatch of teaching purposes and adopting appropriate approach to fulfil the intended teaching purpose.

Keywords:

• Hands-on activities
• Inquiry science
• Elementary school science

Acknowledgement

This study is funded by a research grant (CRP9/07TAL) from the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University.