“Although a science teacher doesn't give a direct explanation of any topic,…
2022
“Although a science teacher doesn't give a direct explanation of any topic, the teacher still has an important role to play in the inquiry approach.” What role does a science teacher have to play in the inquiry approach?
- A.
Instructor and Facilitator
- B.
Instructor and Motivator
- C.
Facilitator and Motivator
- D.
Guide and Instructor
Attempted by 3 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
In inquiry-based (constructivist) teaching, the teacher deliberately avoids giving direct explanations so that students construct understanding through their own investigation. Two roles govern this approach: a facilitator, who structures the environment and guides student-led exploration without supplying answers, and a motivator, who sustains students' engagement and confidence through that self-directed process.
The stem states this teacher gives no direct explanation yet still plays an important role — exactly the facilitator-motivator role: guiding inquiry without instructing, and keeping students motivated through it.
Every other pairing reintroduces an instructor role built on direct explanation, which the stem rules out:
Instructor and Facilitator — facilitator fits, but instructor reintroduces direct explanation.
Instructor and Motivator — motivator fits, but instructor reintroduces direct explanation.
Guide and Instructor — guide overlaps with the supportive role expected here, but instructor again reintroduces direct explanation.
Only Facilitator and Motivator avoids reintroducing an instructing role, so it is the role the teacher plays here.