Earticle

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of an free inquiry method based on PBL(Problem-Based Learning: PBL) to improve students science process skills and self-directed learning characteristics. To verify this research, twenty-two third-grade students were selected from Chung-ryeol Elementary School located in Busan. They have received pre-test and post-test about their abilities in their science process skills and abilities for self-directed learning characteristics. Also, their self-reflection data was analyzed. The teaching and learning PBL process is to provide the information named 'I am the expert on Earth and Moon' which is recreated by analyzing the science curriculum and characteristics of students from Lesson 3 'Earth and Moon', and to make plans for solving the information with K/NK method. Then, to solve the information is gathered and investigated using the PBL workbook. Lastly, students present their finding using the free inquiry method in a group. The post-test showed following results : first, the free inquiry method based on PBL stimulates inquisitiveness in students about science learning and the research group shows improved science process skill. It shows us that using the free inquiry method based on PBL can be used effects to elevate science process skill. Second, the free inquiry method based on PBL has a positive effect on self-directed learning. The research tells us that using the free inquiry method based on PBL can improve a student self-directed learning characteristics.

The purpose of this study is to make a Result analysis on the Free Inquiry Method of Elementary school student. Also, this study investigates how free inquiry activities effect the science creative problem solving ability and science process skills of Elementary school student. For this study 150, third year, elementary School students from Busan City were selected. The Inquiry examined the effectiveness of each of the following free inquiry methods: the Program Based Learning method, the Project method, the Independent Investigation Method, the Small Group Inquiry Method, and the Science Notebooks Method. The students were divided into groups in which they incorporated the respective methods into their practice. Test showed the following results: First, the Science Notebooks Method activities proved to be much more effective than the Program Based Learning method, the Project method, the Independent Investigation Method, the Small Group Inquiry Method, and the Science Notebooks Method in terms of developing on science creative problem solving ability. Second, the Project method activities proved to be much more effective than the Program Based Learning method, the Independent Investigation Method, the Small Group Inquiry Method, the Science Notebooks Method in terms of developing on science process skills.

The purpose of this study is to device the teaching-learning method and the evaluating method on ‘free inquiry’ which is newly introduced in 2007 revised curriculum. The teaching-learning models which apply ‘free inquiry’ are ‘group investigation’, ‘PBL’, ‘project investigation’ and ‘IIM’. And the unit which apply ‘free inquiry’ on the fourth grade and the second semester in the elementary science. The results of this study are as follows: First, The person leading the lesson is not a teacher but learners. The focus of teaching-learning is not a unit but topic, problem or project on the science textbook. A teacher's role is not the deliverer of knowledge but the guide of learning. Second, the outcome of applying group investigation, PBL project investigation and IIM to ‘free inquiry’ is improvements of the problem-solving ability and the self-directed learning ability as well as building scientific attitude and social skills as educational effect in commonly. Third, to apply ‘free inquiry’ efficiently, teachers should understand each subject very well, teach a class with a thorough and concrete plan, and try to evaluate objectively.