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The Evidence Base for Social Studies: Inquiry-Based Learning
The Evidence Base for Social Studies: Inquiry-Based Learning
What This Means for Instruction
After a review of the research, a number of classroom techniques or applications have been found to be successful with students. Below are some general guidelines to help educators plan and implement the instruction using inquiry-based learning:
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Plan, plan, plan (Hammer 1997; Meyerson and Secules 2001; Selwyn and Maher 2003; Tower 2000).
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Brainstorm ideas and have students determine final question(s) (Levstik and Barton 2001; Selwyn and Maher 2003; Wallace 2002).
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Assist and train students to ask open-ended questions (Hammer 1997; Levstik and Barton 2001; Nosich 2001; Tower 2000; Wallace 2002).
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Provide a wide array of resources for students (i.e., newspapers, non-fiction books, Internet, atlases, databases) (Hammer 1997; Starnes 1999; Tower 2000).
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Identify and have students practice reading and using non-fiction resources (Tower 2000).
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Assist students in collecting, recording and analyzing data through the use of concept maps, mental maps, graphic organizers, computer applications (Hammer 1997; Levstik and Barton 2001; Wentworth and Schug 1993).
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Provide a scaffold of support for students until they demonstrate competence and independence (Hammer 1997; Nosich 2001; Wallace 2002).
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Actively promote and demonstrate reflection by having students reflect on the inquiry process, their questions, findings and issues (Levstik and Barton 2001; Starnes 1999).
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Demonstrate how different presentation methods influence findings (i.e., use of different types of graphs, using a chart vs. descriptive, multi-media vs. oral presentation) (Gordon 2003).
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Allow students to determine the best way to present findings (students must be able to document reasons) (Hammer 1997; Levstik and Barton 2001; Wentworth and Schug 1993).
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Continuously assess progress using multiple forms of assessment: checklists, rubrics, observation, self-evaluation (Hammer 1997; Levstik and Barton 2001; Starnes 1999; Tower 2000).
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