Integration of enquiry-based learning
Getting students more actively interested in science and maths can be a challenge for teachers. According to research, the traditional pedagogy used can actually contribute to the decline in interest in the subjects. TEMI (Teaching enquiry with mysteries incorporated) was an EU-funded project that worked to change all this through the use of mystery. This was done in order to foster exploration and discovery, which is essential for scientific practice. As a pilot project aimed at over 500 science and maths teachers in 9 countries, TEMI created a network of teacher training centres. Teachers were trained on how to use mysteries as a teaching tool. Enquiry can not only help stop the decline in interest in science and maths, but also contribute to better scientific thinking. Implementing enquiry as a cognitive skill set requires a sharp shift in the patterns of classroom interaction combined with a deep motivation to learn. The project approach centred on core scientific concepts and emotionally engaging activities for solving mysteries such as exploring the unknown. More than 36 training sessions were delivered in 9 countries and the training reflected country-specific issues as regards curriculum and suitability of context. TEMI organised conferences and events to disseminate the results and also created a mechanical mystery mascot. Project partners produced 'The Book of Science Mysteries' and a 'Teaching the TEMI way' guide for teachers, and developed a smartphone app on mysteries. The project website also provides downloadable mystery-based materials. In addition to providing a means to implement new teaching approaches in the classroom, which is part of an EU-wide movement, the work can help contribute to further study in science, technology, engineering and maths. This can boost the EU knowledge economy and support a more scientifically literate population in the future.
Keywords
Enquiry-based learning, teacher training, science, mathematics, TEMI, mysteries
