How do we teach HSIE?'Pedagogy is more than just teaching. According to Teaching Australia (2008), 'it is defined as the art and science of educating children, the strategies for using teacher proffessional knowledge,skills and abilities in order to fostergood learning outcomes' (Marsh and Hart 2011)
By its very nature, HSIE is open to a vast variety of teaching strategies. Teachers have the responsibility to create a positive learning environment and be role models by creating innovative and challenging teaching techniques that engage all students and give them the skills and abilities to achieve a higher level of learning. Inquiry Based Learning. Inquiry-based learning is an instructional method of teaching that develops students thinking process. It could be described as active learning which enables students to decide what information they need, source and critically analyse the information and form solutions to given problems. The inquiry based learning technique perfectly matches the rationale of the HSIE as stated in HSIE syllabus Board of Studies NSW 2006. ‘This key learning area provides opportunities for students to ask challenging questions, to be curious and to develop a lifelong love of learning. It focuses on developing inquiry learning skills and providing experiences that are meaningful for students……Through analysing information and values, students can make responsible decisions about social, economic, religious, civic and environmental issues that may affect them now or in the future’ |