WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
CIIA > SHOWCASE INDEX > 2015-16
Center for Instructional
Innovation and Assessment

INNOVATIVE TEACHING SHOWCASE

2015-16
ISSUE 17

Andrew Boudreaux & the Physics Team (Physics & Astronomy), designed learning experiences for the Introductory Physics Lab students that bring opportunities for discovery, intellectual growth, and "sense-making" for how the world works.

Team from SMATE, Science, Math, and Technology Education: Alejandro Acevedo-Gutierrez (Biology), Emily Borda (Chemistry), Sue DeBari (Geology), Deb Donovan (Biology), and Scott Linneman (Geology) developed a learning cycle approach to guided inquiry in a four-course interdisciplinary science series that helps students (future teachers) develop conceptual understanding of certain "big ideas" in science-providing a model for how to transfer that understanding to their future students.

Stephanie Treneer, (Mathematics) considers math theory a "playground" students are capable of exploring, provided she gives them the framework and freedom to collaborate and develop their logical arguments.
"Inquiry-based learning (IBL) is a method of instruction that places the student, the subject, and their interaction at the center of the learning experience. At the same time, it transforms the role of the teacher from that of dispensing knowledge to one of facilitating learning [...] It subtly yet significantly increases his or her involvement in the thought-processes of the students."

– E. Lee May, Salisbury State University
Academy of Inquiry Based Learning