The team met Dr Yap on 15 Feb. He reviewed our current project results analysis and gave us useful insights into inquiry based learning and the action research methology.
Some learning points are:

• the duration of the alternative teaching strategy needs to be sufficiently long to have any significant effect
• besides test scores, it is good to have other "measures" such as attitude surveys, analysis of types of responses in the test, etc.
• different modes of representation may be investigated
• have an operational approach for "inquiry"

17 Nov 2006
Wan Eng joined us for the Sharing/Discussion at Crescent Girls' School.
Some of my learning points today:
1. experimental induction of formula
2. instructional strategies for Electricity
3. Action Research - what is and what is not
4. findings and methodolgy of action research (MGS)
5. ideas for IT-enhanced inquiry-based approach

16 Nov 2006
Mr Lau, Wee Yap and I attended the Sharing/Discussion on Action Research in PbI (Electricity) organised by CPDD at Crescent Girls' School.
Some of my learning points:
1. principles of learning - pre-existing knowledge, develop competence in learning, and active learning
2. essential features of inquiry-based lessons
3. ideas first -> names later -> formulae last
3. common preconceptions and difficulties in the topic Electricity
4. use of student worksheets and activities (used by Crescent Girls'): varied, engaging, hands-on, language use ("wordiness"), time management, use of teaching moments
5. model building using what students can understand/relate to, before introducing new terminology