Inquiry and Curriculum Change: Perceptions of School and College/University Faculty

This study examines school and college/university faculty perceptions concerning what has happened to inquiry and identifies some factors that might have influenced the implementation of inquiry as a curriculum innovation. The data presented on the perceptions of both groups indicate that inquiry strategies, for all their acclaim, were never widely implemented. There was a perceived problem with the availability of inquiry materials for classroom use and some concern about students' preparation and ability to use inquiry strategies. Teacher training programs appeared to be deficient in preparing teachers to use inquiry techniques.