Scaffolding open inquiry: How a teacher provides students with structure and space

Authors

  • Birgitte Bjønness Norwegian University of Life Sciences
  • Stein Dankert Kolstø University of Bergen, Norway

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5617/nordina.878

Keywords:

natural science, science inquiry, 16, case study

Abstract

The present case study examines a teacher’s scaffolding strategies supporting his students during a twelve-week open inquiry project at an upper secondary school. We use interaction analysis to identify how he provides structure and space in the different phases of open inquiry as well as how it constitutes the students’ inquiry process. The study reveals that the teacher scaffolded this open inquiry in two opposing ways; he created space for the students to make their own experiences and ideas, which eventually set up the need for more directed scaffolding to discuss the challenges students experienced, and directing students’ ideas in certain directions in phases with structure. We suggest that the interplay between structure and space creates what can be seen as a driving force providing both exploration and direction for open inquiry. Moreover, we propose that the dual concept of ‘structure and space’ can work as a thinking tool to promote teachers’ competence on how to scaffold more authentic versions of scientific inquiry in schools.

Author Biographies

Birgitte Bjønness, Norwegian University of Life Sciences

PhD-student and University lecturer in science education

Stein Dankert Kolstø, University of Bergen, Norway

Professor in science education

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Published

2015-11-02

Issue

Section

Articles