Research shows that a mix of teacher-directed explicit teaching and inquiry-based instruction yields the best outcomes (McKinsey 2017). Without explicit teaching, inquiry-based learning negatively impacts achievement (Jerrim et al. 2019).

Best practice in STEM education, uses explicit teaching strategies to build strong foundations, and embeds inquiry-based teaching methods, focused on skill acquisition and higher-order thinking tasks to foster independent learning and critical thinking.

Teachers choose explicit teaching strategies when learning is new or complex throughout the inquiry process.

Implementing explicit teaching in STEM

Explaining, demonstrating, and modelling

• Explain learning goals and their relevance.
• Provide worked examples.
• Demonstrate and model tasks in small achievable steps.
• Give students the opportunity to consolidate each step with practice before building to the next step.

Providing guided practice

• Provide additional worked examples while students are practising.
• Allow students to practise skills with teacher support.
• Give immediate, constructive feedback.

Checking for understanding

• Regularly check that all students understand the work.
• Adjust teaching methods based on student feedback.

Gradually releasing responsibility

• Move between teacher-led instruction and student-led practice.
• Gradually increase student independence and return to modelling in response to student feedback.

Using effective questioning

• Ask questions that promote deep thinking and understanding.
• Encourage students to ask questions and explore ideas.

Embedding inquiry-based learning approaches in STEM

Effective inquiry-based learning moves students between modelled, guided and independent practice and this can be achieved by:

Scaffolding inquiry-based learning

• Determine student understanding and readiness.
• Use structured inquiry to build skills, context and understanding.
• Move between guided and open inquiry allowing for a gradual release of responsibility.

Promoting student autonomy

• Encourage students to take ownership of their learning.
• Build capacity and provide opportunities to choose topics and questions of interest.

Facilitating collaborative learning

• Provide opportunities for collaboration to help develop problem-solving skills.
• Encourage peer feedback and shared learning experiences.

Integrating authentic and real-world problems

• Use real-world challenges to make learning relevant and engaging.
• Connect classroom learning to practical applications.

Reflecting and evaluating learning

• Have students reflect on their learning process and outcomes.
• Use their reflections to improve future learning experiences.

Implementing problem and project-based learning approaches in STEM

Problem and project-based learning approaches in STEM foster critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills by engaging students in real-world challenges and hands-on projects. These can be best implemented in the classroom by:

Establishing foundational skills

Ensure students have demonstrated understanding of foundational skills through explicit teaching and guided practice.

Clearly defining problems and projects

• Choose authentic, real-world problems and projects that require application of mastered skills.
• Ensure problems and projects are complex enough to challenge students and promote deeper learning.

Planning collaborative work

• Organise students into groups to encourage collaboration.
• Assign roles and responsibilities to promote teamwork and accountability.

Providing appropriate scaffolding

• Offer support and resources as needed while encouraging independence.
• Gradually reduce support as students become more confident and capable.

Facilitating ongoing feedback

• Use formative assessment to monitor progress and provide feedback.
• Allow students to adjust their approach based on feedback.

Encouraging reflection and presentation

• Have students reflect on their problem-solving process and learning outcomes.
• Encourage students to present their projects and solutions to peers and other audiences.