Recognizing these issues, several countries have now taken steps to revitalize science education, even at the preschool level. Science education should encourage active student engagement through inquiry and discovery, emphasizing evidence-based reasoning and hypothesis formulation.
The concept of ‘learning by doing’ involves personal investigation, fostering cognitive processes, curiosity, and creativity. Inquiry-based activities promote communication skills through classroom discussions and interactions with teachers. Rather than rote memorization, Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) encourages students to appropriate knowledge by investigating independently and asking questions. This hands-on approach aligns well with effective science teaching and learning strategies.
Given the significance of science education in schools, the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) has developed a capacity-building program for member states, focusing on technical support related to IBSE.
IBSE has been proposed as a framework for authentic science teaching and learning. It emphasizes active pupil engagement, problem-based learning, and the development of critical skills.
IBSE key points:
- Definition of Inquiry:
· Inquiry is an intentional process that involves diagnosing situations, formulating problems, critiquing experiments, researching, constructing models, debating with peers, and forming coherent arguments
· It encourages students to think historically and develop historical skills.
Features of IBSE:
- Active Engagement: Students actively participate in the learning process, emphasizing evidence-based knowledge claims.
- Problem-Based Learning: Authentic and problem-based activities drive learning.
- Systematic Skills Development: Students practice systematic observation, questioning, planning, and recording to obtain credible evidence.
- Collaboration and Communication: Group work, peer interaction, and argumentation are essential for learning.
- Autonomy and Self-Regulation: Developing autonomy and self-regulation is a goal of IBSE.
Misconceptions:
- IBSE is not merely a teaching method; it’s a broader framework.
- It’s not just about engaging students; it focuses on deeper learning and critical thinking.
The history of the collaboration between the University of Isfahan and ECOSF with a focus on IBSE
- The University of Isfahan has established an Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) center in collaboration with the ECOSF, aiming to enhance science education and teacher training in the country
- The University of Isfahan has organized the first workshop on “Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE)” in collaboration with the ECOSF (Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation) and the French institute LAMAP. This workshop took place from December 17 to 24, 2016, at the University of Isfahan, with French instructors participating and part of the expenses covered by the ECOSF.
- The second workshop on “Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE)” was held from December 4 to 8, 2018, at the University of Isfahan in collaboration with the ECOSF and LAMAP. Again, French instructors were present, and part of the expenses was covered by the ECOSF.
- The University of Isfahan hosted the sixth executive committee meeting and the fourth board of trustees meeting of the ECOSF on July 19 and 20, 2019. Representatives from Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan attended the event.
- The seventh executive committee meeting and the fifth board of trustees meeting of the ECOSF were jointly hosted by the University of Isfahan and the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture of Isfahan on February 24 and 25, 2023. Representatives from Iran, Tajikistan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan participated.
- A joint webinar titled “Iran’s Action Plan in the European UNITEL Project: Lessons for the ECO region (Experiences of the University of Isfahan)” was organized by the University of Isfahan and the ECOSF in collaboration with the Iranian Virtual Education Association. Researchers from Iran, Pakistan, Italy, Turkey, and Kazakhstan attended the webinar on January 18, 2023.
- Another joint webinar was held on June 6, 2023, in collaboration with the Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology of Pakistan. Researchers from Iran, Pakistan, Spain, Italy, and Turkey participated in this event.
Achievable gains:
The collaboration between the University of Isfahan and the ECOSF holds great promise for advancing science education and fostering a culture of inquiry-based learning in Iran and beyond and may bring about the following outcomes:
1. Enhancing the Role of the University of Isfahan as a Focal Point for Modern Basic Science Education in Iran: The University of Isfahan, in collaboration with the ECOSF (Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation), has established an Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) center. This initiative aims to play a significant role in shaping the future of science education and training educators in modern basic sciences within Iran.
2. Financial and Moral Support from the Head of the ECOSF: Dr. Tabibi, currently representing our country, holds the position of the head of the ECOSF. His support, both financially and morally, contributes to the successful launch of the IBSE center at the University of Isfahan.
3. Pursuing a Long-Term International Project: The University of Isfahan is actively pursuing a long-term international project. This project is of paramount importance for the country’s educational future and the training of educators in modern basic sciences.
4. Organizing Various Educational Workshops: The University of Isfahan hosts diverse educational workshops with the participation of international guests. These workshops focus on training teachers in both primary and secondary education, as well as university-level educators.
5. Proposed Activities of the IBSE Center in Isfahan: The activities proposed by the IBSE center at the University of Isfahan are not limited to the national level; they have the potential to expand across the ECO region.