Full Description
Citizen Inquiry: Synthesising Science and Inquiry Learning is the first book of its kind to bring together the concepts of citizen science and inquiry-based learning to illustrate the pedagogical advantages of this approach. It shifts the emphasis of scientific investigations from scientists to the general public, by educating learners of all ages to determine their own research agenda and devise their own investigations underpinned by a model of scientific inquiry.
'Citizen inquiry' is an original approach to research education that refers to mass participation of the public in joining inquiry-led scientific investigations. Using a range of practical case studies underpinned by the theory of inquiry-based learning, this book has significant implications for teaching and learning through exploration of how new technologies can be used to engage with scientific research. Key features include:
a new perspective on science education and science practice through crowd-sourced research
explanation of the benefits of this innovative approach to teaching and learning
a steady shift of emphasis from theory to application for readers to understand thoroughly the current state of research in the field and its applications to practice
examples of practical applications of this approach and recommendations on how successful citizen inquiry applications can be developed.
This edited volume is essential reading for academic researchers and professional educators interested in the potential of online technology in all levels of education, from primary and secondary level through to further education and lifelong learning. It will be ideal reading on any undergraduate or postgraduate course involving research methods in education as well as developments in science education and educational software.
Contents
1. Introduction - Citizen inquiry: A new approach to inquiry science learning 2. Online citizen science: Participation, motivation, and opportunities for informal learning 3. From the wisdom of crowds to going viral: The creation and transmission of knowledge in the citizen humanities 4. Community engagement around poor air quality in London: Citizen inquiry in a citizen science « Mapping for Change » project 5. Exploring embedded assessment to document scientific inquiry skills within citizen science 6. Exploring citizen science and inquiry learning through iSpotnature.org 7. Geocaching: Inquiry learning with a sense of adventure 8. Towards citizen inquiry: From class-based environmental projects to citizen science 9. High motivation and relevant scientific competencies through the introduction of citizen science at secondary schools: An assessment using a rubric model 10. Cultural citizen inquiry: Making space for the 'everyday' in language teaching and learning 11. Educational backgrounds, project design and inquiry learning in citizen science 12. Design processes of a citizen inquiry community
