What should a teacher do when conferring with inquiry project groups?

When conferring with inquiry project groups, discussing questions and helping to refine a research question is crucial for guiding students in their learning process. This approach encourages students to think critically about what they are investigating and to narrow their focus to a manageable and meaningful question. It fosters a deeper understanding of their topic by prompting them to consider various angles and implications, which is essential for inquiry-based learning.

By engaging in this dialogue, the teacher provides support that is facilitative rather than directive, allowing students to take ownership of their learning. Helping them refine their research question also enables them to develop specific objectives for their inquiry, ensuring that their efforts are directed toward answering a relevant and substantial question in their project. This scaffolding can lead to more productive research and a richer learning experience overall.