The Pathway to teaching science by inquiry
The Pathway project, financed under the 7th Framework Programme [FP7] is exploring new approaches to inquiry-based science education [IBSE]. Based on the examination of best practices in IBSE, Pathway aims to promote the effective widespread use of inquiry and problem based science teaching techniques in primary and secondary schools in Europe. Running from 2011 to the end of 2013, the project consortium – the European Physical Society included – organizes workshops and events all over Europe and develops guidelines and resources.
Amongst the Pathway tools, the ASK-Learning Design Tool [ASK-LDT] has been designed for teachers to build learning scenarios step-by-step. One of the outcomes of Pathway is a collection of educational resources and the guidelines for the teachers and their pupils.
These tools will allow teachers to easily use IBSE techniques in their classrooms. Moreover, teachers are also encouraged to develop and share their scenarios with the community of teachers and practitioners of the Pathway approach. Hundreds of teachers in Europe have already taken part in workshops and learned to use the ASK-LDT. The scenario database is growing continuously, representing a valuable resource for science teachers from primary and secondary schools.
The ASK-LDT software is available online for free on the Pathway website.
For more information, visit the Pathway website.