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Using investigation and discussion to inquire about issues in primary social studies
Citation
Sim, H. H. (2016). Using investigation and discussion to inquire about issues in primary social studies. HSSE Online, 5(1), 24-34. https://hsseonline.nie.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3-simhhusing.pdf
Abstract
This article begins with the inquiry teaching approach for primary social studies and the rationale for its inclusion in the 2013 syllabus by the Ministry of Education, Singapore. It compares traditional instruction and inquiry-based teaching and describes the two types of inquiry that can be implemented in the primary classroom – discussion and investigation. Three useful inquiry models for primary children - Colin Marsh’s (2001) investigation model and two discussion models - Diana Hess’ (2009) town meeting model (TMM) and David Johnson and Roger Johnson’s (1999) structured academic model (SAC) - are elaborated. The application of these models is illustrated in two issue-based, inquiry centred packages designed for primary children by student teachers from the National Institute of Education. The article also discusses the challenges teachers may face when implementing such inquiry centred packages and suggests ways of how they can be overcome.
Date Issued
2016
Publisher
National Institute of Education (Singapore)
Journal
HSSE Online