Exploring Elementary Student-Driven Inquiry Science: A Mixed Methods Case Study of the S.W.I.M.A.S. Model

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore student-teacher interactions, student-student interactions, student perceptions of the learning environment, and student performance within a fifth grade elementary science classroom implementing a model for student-driven inquiry-based learning. The model for inquiry is called Students With Inquiring Minds Are Scientists (S.W.I.M.A.S). Data sources include a student survey, teacher interviews, and classroom observations. Both quantitative and qualitative data sources are used to describe this instructional model from various perspectives.