title: Child-led enquiry in primary science.
abstract: This research describes and evaluates the application of a child-led approach to scientific enquiry (the Community of Scientific Enquiry, CoSE) to children aged 8-11 (Key Stage 2) in Northern Ireland. Primary teachers were introduced to CoSE at a workshop and asked to evaluate its implementation with their class. Results from children (n= 364) and teachers (n= 19) found that CoSE engaged children with their science learning, and also developed confidence and oracy. However, teachers require more experience developing facilitation skills and in fitting science into a thematic teaching unit.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Education, Liverpool Hope University , Liverpool , UK.
authors.forename: Lynda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dunlop
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster , Coleraine , UK.
authors.forename: Kirsty
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Compton
authors.affiliation: School of Education, University of Ulster , Coleraine , UK.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of Ulster , Coleraine , UK.
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: McKelvey-Martin
keywords: community of enquiry; philosophy for children; science education