Re: [Phys-l] Students' READING abilities

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

John Clement wrote:
> > Inquiry is but one learning METHOD.  If that is the only method being
> > used, then who is going to structure and guide such inquiry throughout these
> > students' lives? 
> >     
>
> But if it works better then perhaps it should be used for all classes. 
It would be a persuasive rhetorical question to ask:
Would you rather have students retain 20% of  the topics treated in 
chalk and talk mode,
or have them retain 60% of the modest 40% percentage of those same 
topics which could be handled in the same time by interactive or inquiry 
methods?
It would not take one long to realise that this second option would 
provide a 20% improvement in retention. (IF TRUE)

So this rhetorical assertion would be much, much more persuasive if 
supported by some experimental data.   Apparently there is evidence in 
favor of the inefficiency of chalk and talk. But is there evidence to 
support the higher retention of discovery/ inquiry/ interactive means? 
Ah yes - this is the sort of data that could presumably be uncovered by 
Phsics Education Researchers.....

Brian W