The guided inquiry approach consists of students constructing their own knowledge with some guidance from the professor. In this method, it is important that you do not read material before it is presented in class. I will give you selected readings at the end of each class. Generally, I will not lecture in this class. You know better than I that your attention span in lecture is limited and ordinarily you do not remember everything that you heard. The guided inquiry is a more active approach to learning in that most of what you will learn you will learn from your peers. For you to achieve full benefit you must fully participate in the group work. In the group environment, it is essential that:

all persons participate;

all persons agree on each answer;

all persons work together on the same question.

Group Structure

There will be four members in each group and each group member has a role in the group. These roles are extremely important for the groups to work effectively and efficiently. The group roles will change for each class meeting. The roles are:

Manager:

It is the manager’s job to manage the group and to keep the group on task. At the start of each class, the manager is to obtain any information packets from the instructors. This information is distributed to the group and the work begins. With help from the timekeeper, the manager must get the group to move effectively through the assignment. The manager should not rush the group but must keep the group focused. Any questions for the instructors must come from the manager.

Recorder:

The recorder writes the group’s answers to specific questions on the worksheet to be turned in to the instructors. These answers should be both clear and logical. If the recorder does not completely understand an answer, she/he has a responsibility to ask for clarification.

Presenter:

The presenter is the spokesperson for the group. Any work that is to be contributed to the class is through the presenter. Any questions directed to the group by the instructors will be answered by the presenter.

Timekeeper:

The timekeeper makes certain that the group will finish the project on time. The timekeeper works in conjunction with the manager of the group and informs the manager of the time left to complete a task.

Why do Groups Work?

The reasons are really twofold: you and your partners will learn more. Educational research has shown that cooperative group work is an effective means for teaching/learning science (and also most any other subject) and can help increase the nature of students' understanding. When involved in group work, there are many times when you are required to teach your peers, which increases your own depth of understanding. Every time you have to explain something to a group mate, the better you will understand the concept. In the words of general/physical chemistry students who have participated in group work:

"Having to explain a concept to someone else first means that you have to understand the concept yourself."

"We go over problems that we don't have time to go over in class. We get to help others or have others help us on problems. It's nice to have other people in the class you can depend on for help."

"It taught me that there are lots of ways to look at things and it’s worth it to listen to what other group members say. It is also very rewarding to be able to help someone who has helped you on something different. It also put me at ease with the idea of getting up and presenting my ideas and answers to others."

"I think that when you learn something from your peers, it kind of sticks better in your brain.

Working in a group gives you the opportunity to have someone, besides the professor, explain the concept. Sometimes a group mate will have an insight that will make a great analogy for you; it will explain the concept better than the professor would. This means there are benefits for all group members if the group is functioning properly.