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Enhancing Inquiry-Based Science Instruction: The Role of Professional Learning Communities and Instructional Coaching for Elementary Science Teachers

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Title: Enhancing Inquiry-Based Science Instruction: The Role of Professional Learning Communities and Instructional Coaching for Elementary Science Teachers
Language: English
Authors: Marc T. Sager, Karen Pierce, Jessica Murillo
Source: Journal of Education and Learning. 2025 14(5):26-39.
Availability: Canadian Center of Science and Education. 1595 Sixteenth Ave Suite 301, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3N9 Canada. Tel: 416-642-2606; Fax: 416-642-2608; e-mail: jel@ccsenet.org; Web site: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jel
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Descriptors: Inquiry, Science Instruction, Communities of Practice, Coaching (Performance), Elementary School Teachers, Science Teachers, Faculty Development, Teacher Collaboration
ISSN: 1927-5250
1927-5269
Abstract: Inquiry-based science instruction fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific literacy by engaging students in exploration, questioning, and reflective learning. However, implementing inquiry-based practices presents significant challenges for elementary teachers, who often balance multiple subjects and may feel less confident facilitating open-ended investigations. This study examines how school-based coaching and professional learning communities (PLCs) support teachers in adopting inquiry-based science instruction. Grounded in distributed cognition theory of learning, this research draws on qualitative data from classroom observations and artifacts from coaching sessions and PLC meetings. Using a multiple case study design, this study identifies four case studies to illustrate varying levels of alignment between PLC discussions and classroom implementation. Findings emphasize the importance of sustained, flexible professional development and coaching that integrates collaborative learning into consistent classroom practice. Distributing cognitive demands through coaching and PLCs strengthens inquiry-based instruction and enhances science teaching in diverse educational contexts. This study offers insights for educators, school leaders, and policymakers aiming to advance student-centered science education.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1484899
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Enhancing Inquiry-Based Science Instruction: The Role of Professional Learning Communities and Instructional Coaching for Elementary Science Teachers
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+Education+and+Learning%22"><i>Journal of Education and Learning</i></searchLink>. 2025 14(5):26-39.
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  Data: Canadian Center of Science and Education. 1595 Sixteenth Ave Suite 301, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3N9 Canada. Tel: 416-642-2606; Fax: 416-642-2608; e-mail: jel@ccsenet.org; Web site: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jel
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  Data: Inquiry-based science instruction fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific literacy by engaging students in exploration, questioning, and reflective learning. However, implementing inquiry-based practices presents significant challenges for elementary teachers, who often balance multiple subjects and may feel less confident facilitating open-ended investigations. This study examines how school-based coaching and professional learning communities (PLCs) support teachers in adopting inquiry-based science instruction. Grounded in distributed cognition theory of learning, this research draws on qualitative data from classroom observations and artifacts from coaching sessions and PLC meetings. Using a multiple case study design, this study identifies four case studies to illustrate varying levels of alignment between PLC discussions and classroom implementation. Findings emphasize the importance of sustained, flexible professional development and coaching that integrates collaborative learning into consistent classroom practice. Distributing cognitive demands through coaching and PLCs strengthens inquiry-based instruction and enhances science teaching in diverse educational contexts. This study offers insights for educators, school leaders, and policymakers aiming to advance student-centered science education.
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      – SubjectFull: Communities of Practice
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      – SubjectFull: Coaching (Performance)
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      – SubjectFull: Elementary School Teachers
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      – SubjectFull: Science Teachers
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