The Best Method for Teaching High School Math Inquiry-Based vs. Direct Teaching

Abstract

How should teachers be teaching math in High Schools? This has been a question with much debate over the last decade. Many teachers have focused on the idea of a more traditional approach of lecture and practice called direct teaching, whereas several teachers think that the students need to be doing more problem solving and learn the concepts with their peers by using an inquiry based approach. This research examined a test group of two different classes in a Washington State High School. Two classes with approximately the same level of achievement were examined. Lessons were taught using both inquiry-based and direct teaching methods and the results of exit slip questions were analyzed for correct answers. The research found that students achieved higher scores on the exit slips when they were taught using a direct teaching method than with the inquiry based method. The results imply that direct teaching produces higher test scores, but is this our goal in education? Although the direct teaching method is better for understanding, students still should be taught occasionally using inquiry-based approach to improve their problem solving skills, a skill needed in their everyday lives.