Enquiring Children: Challenging Teaching (UK Higher Education OUP Humanities and Social Sciences Education OUP)

This book describes the development of children's enquiry skills offering a rationale and theoretical basis for teaching and learning using this approach and showing its particular relevance to scientific enquiries. The teacher's role is discussed and practical suggestions are given to stimulate effective classroom practice. The author shows how children's ideas can be supported, challenged and assessed, and considers how to resource enquiries and expand these within the school and local environment. The nature of knowledge is explored, with a focus on scientific knowledge about our world. Communication and language skills are discussed, emphasising effective questioning and ways to encourage children's questions. Guidance is given as to how to promote and integrate problem-solving skills into class teaching, particularly in practical cross-curricular and technological projects.

The book will be of great value to both student and practising primary school teachers as well as providing informed support for parents and governors.