Minimizing Student Resistance to Inquiry

Establishing and maintaining a classroom atmosphere conducive to student learning should be a goal for all teachers. As science teachers shift from traditional didactic forms of instruction to inquiry-oriented learning, they sometimes encounter resistance from students, parents, administrators, and even teaching colleagues. In advance of and following changes in classroom pedagogy, it is imperative that teachers properly consider and take action to set and maintain an appropriate atmosphere. Teachers must also be prepared to react to adverse external influences that might surface. This chapter considers several forms of resistance and offers techniques of climate setting that can alleviate concerns and help create classroom, school, and community atmospheres conducive to student learning via inquiry.