Billy O'Steen

Enablers and constraints to the use of inquiry-based learning in undergraduate education

This study involved a meta-analysis of 10 cases of inquiry-based learning (IBL) in undergraduate education to determine the factors which both enable and constrain its use. The enabling factors were found to include: teacher attributes – being student-centred, reflective but rebellious; course design attributes – questions stimulating learning, collaborative learning, progressive development of inquiry skills, required student preparation and constructive alignment; department and institutional attributes – IBL being more accepted if permeating a whole programme, the pivotal role of supportive senior management and assistance by staff developers. The major constraints were gaining philosophical buy-in to inquiry approaches; supporting transition to inquiry; developing self-reflection skills; and coping with varied assessment products. Departmental and institutional challenges included timetables and room allocation and the difficulty of recruiting teachers in a research intensive environment. Some strategies are suggested to help overcome these barriers.

E-learning methodologies in practice: similarities and differences between North American countries and New Zealand

In this cross-national qualitative study, tertiary instructors from North America (Canada and the USA) and New Zealand were asked to share their perceptions regarding effective e-learning methodologies. The purpose of the research was to identify what similarities and differences in perceptions existed, and what implications, if any, such similarities and differences would have for the development of national and tertiary digital strategies for New Zealand. A comparison of the responses to four primary research questions indicated that while both similarities and differences in perception do exist, the similarities far outweigh the differences.