Teachers of science plan an inquiry-based science program for their students,”
according to Teaching Standard A recommended by the National
Research Council (NRC) in the National Science Education Standards (1996)
(p. 30). In planning this inquiry about inquiry learning and teaching, we chose
to focus on three questions: Why inquiry?, What does inquiry look like?, and
What are some of the issues associated with shifting toward inquiry-based practices?
In inviting authors to contribute, we tried to include many perspectives—
from scientists, teachers, researchers, professional development specialists, and
administrators. We particularly tried to include authors who are working with
students from diverse cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic circumstances.
Settings ranged from science lessons with primary students to informal meetings
with experienced teachers. We asked authors to define what they mean by
inquiry teaching and learning and then to address a relevant question or issue in
the context of their own practices. We invite the reader to join us in pondering
these responses.