Definition:
The
Social Science Inquiry Strategy is concerned with developing students’ capacity
to inquire into and reflect on the nature of social like, particularly the
course of their own lives and the direction of their society.
Three
essential characteristics of this model are the social aspects of the classroom
including an open climate of discussion, the emphasis on hypotheses as the
focus of the inquiry, and the use of fact as evidence.
This
is an inquiry model because of the inductive reasoning required and the active
involvement of students in the process.
Steps:
·
The teacher initiates the inquiry by orienting the students
to the dilemma.
·
The teacher works to help the students become sensitized and
develop a statement of the problem which defines its elements and can be
accepted by all as a starting point.
·
Students first define and clarify the hypothesis they choose
to investigate.
·
Students explore the hypothesis in terms of its assumptions,
implications, and logical validity.
·
Next students gather facts and evidence to support the
hypothesis which requires the availability of appropriate resources.
·
Finally, students form a generalized expression or solution
based on their investigation.
When to use:
The
model is appropriate for introductions or conclusions of units. Students are
examining content while developing process skills.
As
an introduction, an assessment can be made of student knowledge and process
skills.
As
a conclusion, the model provides opportunities to use knowledge and process
skills to examine the social problems.
Resources:
Examples: http://www.exploratorium.org/IFI/activities/index.html