Inquiry is no Mere Conversation (or Discussion or Dialogue) Facilitation of Inquiry is Hard Work!

Abstract

Introduction:  There is a long standing controversy in education as to whether education ought to be teacher- or student-centered. Interestingly, this controversy parallels the parent- vs. child-centered theoretical swings with regard to good parenting. One obvious difference between the two poles is the mode of communication. "Authoritarian" teaching and parenting strategies focus on the need of those who have much to learn to "do as they are told," i.e., the authority talks, the child listens. "Non-authoritarian" strategies are anchored in the assumption that youngsters ought to be encouraged to develop their natural interests and talents and hence that it is important to allow the children to do the talking and that adults listen. Both strategies seemed flawed due to the absence of the inherent wisdom of its opposing view.