Inquiry-Based Learning and Student Engagement

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, titled “Inquiry-Based Learning and Student Engagement”, aims to highlight the crucial role of inquiry-based learning in enhancing student engagement and scientific literacy. Emphasizing the importance of this research area against the backdrop of contemporary educational challenges, this Special Issue aims to showcase innovative research, theoretical advancements, and practical strategies for integrating scientific inquiry with student engagement. Its scope covers diverse topics, including innovative teaching practices, the role of technology, teacher education, assessment strategies, equity and inclusion, environmental education, and cross-disciplinary approaches. Through a collection of research articles, reviews, and case studies, this Special Issue seeks to offer insights into designing and implementing effective inquiry-based science education that motivates students and improves learning outcomes. This targets educators, policymakers, and researchers, providing them with evidence-based strategies to foster a more engaging and inclusive science education landscape. This initiative represents a pivotal step towards understanding and improving the ways in which scientific inquiry can be leveraged to enhance student engagement, with the ultimate goal being that of preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century. Therefore, the ultimate aim of this Special Issue is to investigate how inquiry-based approaches in science education foster more profound interest and engagement among students, compared to traditional teaching methods.

Suggested themes are indicated as follows:

1. Innovative practices in scientific inquiry to promote engagement: showcasing cutting-edge strategies, tools, and technologies that elevate students' active participation and curiosity in science education.
2. Assessing engagement in inquiry-based science education: exploring methodologies and tools for measuring students' engagement levels and their correlation with academic achievement in inquiry-based learning environments.
3. The impact of teacher facilitation on student engagement: examining the role of teachers in facilitating inquiry-based learning experiences and how different approaches can affect students' engagement and motivation.
4. Collaborative inquiry and peer learning: assessing how group work and collaborative inquiry projects influence engagement and social learning among students in science education.
5. The influence of classroom environment on inquiry engagement: understanding how physical, social, and psychological aspects of the classroom setting contribute to or hinder students' engagement in scientific inquiry.
6. Challenges and barriers to engaging students in scientific inquiry: identifying common challenges educators face in implementing inquiry-based science education and strategies to overcome these obstacles to engage students effectively.
7. Cultural and contextual factors in scientific inquiry engagement: exploring how cultural backgrounds, societal contexts, and access to resources impact students' engagement in scientific inquiry, as well as ways to address these disparities.
8. Integrating technology and digital tools in scientific inquiry: investigating the effectiveness of digital tools, simulations, and online platforms in enhancing students' engagement and participation in activities related to scientific inquiry.
9. Large-scale survey studies on engagement in scientific inquiry: presenting cohort studies or longitudinal research that tracks changes in students' engagement with scientific inquiry over time, highlighting factors that contribute to sustained interest and motivation in science education.

Dr. Tsung-Hau Jen
Guest Editor

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• science inquiry engagement
• inquiry-based science education (IBSE)
• technology in inquiry learning
• assessment of inquiry skills
• educational equity and inclusion