Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Pages: 513-532

Journal: Research in Science and Technological Education

Volume number: 42

Issue number: 3

ISSN: 0263-5143

eISSN: 1470-1138

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2022.2153245

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group

Abstract: 
BackgroundInquiry-based instruction is a prominent teaching strategy in science education that is assumed to be an effective means to foster not only students' understanding of science content but also their procedural and epistemic knowledge concerning inquiry processes. Empirical studies have repeatedly shown that inquiry-related activities should be combined with instruction that explicitly addresses procedural and epistemic knowledge to support students' learning effectively.PurposeThe aim of this study is to explore to what extent explicit instruction on procedural and epistemic knowledge is occurring in inquiry-based biology and chemistry lessons.SampleThe sample analysed in this study consist of 16 inquiry-based biology and chemistry lessons recorded in German classrooms.Design and MethodsThe video recordings of the lessons were analysed in three steps. First, event-based codes were used to identify all phases of a lesson in which students were engaged in an inquiry-related activity (e.g. developing questions, planning investigations). Second, each phase was analysed with respect to features of explicit instruction (e.g. explications of inquiry strategies). Third, event-based codes were used to capture individual features of explicit instruction in a phase.ResultsIn our sample explicit instruction on procedural knowledge occurred rarely and mostly in the form of brief sidenotes rather than as a comprehensive and deliberately planned action. Furthermore, explicit instruction on epistemic knowledge was virtually non-existent. However, we observed that many tasks and questions that are given by the teachers during their lessons have a high potential for making procedural (and epistemic) aspects explicit.ConclusionWhile this explorative study does not allow for causal explanations for the lack of explicit instruction, its findings provide important insights into classroom practice. Implications for teacher education and future research are discussed.

Harvard Citation style: Vorholzer, A., Petermann, V., Weber, J., zu Belzen, A. and Tiemann, R. (2024) Explicit instruction on procedural and epistemic knowledge - is it happening? A video-based exploration of classroom practice, Research in Science and Technological Education, 42(3), pp. 513-532. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2022.2153245

APA Citation style: Vorholzer, A., Petermann, V., Weber, J., zu Belzen, A., & Tiemann, R. (2024). Explicit instruction on procedural and epistemic knowledge - is it happening? A video-based exploration of classroom practice. Research in Science and Technological Education. 42(3), 513-532. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2022.2153245