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Managing Inquiry-Based Science: Challenges in Enacting Complex Science Instruction in Elementary and Middle School Classrooms

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Journal of Science Teacher Education

Abstract

Effectively enacting inquiry-based science instruction entails considerable changes in classroom management practices. In this article, we describe five interconnected management areas that need to be addressed when managing an inquiry-oriented K-8 science classroom. We introduce a pyramid model as a framework for thinking about these management areas and present a brief review of what the research literature says about each area. We propose that enacting inquiry-based instruction requires a different kind of approach to classroom management that takes into account the close-knit relationship between management and instruction. This perspective recognizes the pervasive nature of managing the classroom for inquiry learning.

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Correspondence to Christopher J. Harris.

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Harris, C.J., Rooks, D.L. Managing Inquiry-Based Science: Challenges in Enacting Complex Science Instruction in Elementary and Middle School Classrooms. J Sci Teacher Educ 21, 227–240 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-009-9172-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-009-9172-5

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