Richard Suchman: Inquiry

By Mike Dehnisch

Bishop Lynch High School

Overview of the Model

This model is closely related to the the problem solving models developed by Taba, Bruner and Schwab.

This model utilizes a natural process of inquiry and critical thinking.

This technique is most often used is subjects such as science, but can be used in almost all disciplines.

Suchman’s Inquiry Model

1. Discrepantevent

2. Generation of Inferences

3. Observation ofa Likely Answer

4. Research 5. ConcludingActivity

Discrepant Event

This is a type of problem that the students may know little to nothing about that is introduced by the teacher.

Example: Why doesn't the snail inside this sealed terrarium die?

Generation of Inferences

This is a question and answer period were the students will ask mostly “yes” or “no” questions to get information.

This is information can help lead them into the next step of this process.

Observation of a Likely Answer

With the knowledge gathered in the question and answer period the students can start to make observations about the problem.

With this information, the students can try to formulate an explanation of the observation. This is what is usually termed as a hypothesis.

ResearchAfter a hypothesis has been formulated, the

students can then attempt to validate their hypothesis.

This can be accomplished with many different mediums. More questions and answer sessions. Using the Internet, books and/or periodicals.

Concluding Activity

The sky is the limit on what can be done here.

Depending on the problem that was presented, you may want the students to test there hypothesis with some type of experiment.

Assessment can be accomplished by the students presenting their finding either orally or a written document.

Conclusion

As an environmental science teacher, this model of teaching fits very well in my classroom.

This method can also be used in other disciplines and at various ages.

There is plenty of room for imagination with this model.

Now Take the Quiz!

http://motted.hawaii.edu/~quizuser/quizzes/mdehnisch/SuchmanQuiz.html