Abstract:

Developed by Dodge (1995), WebQuest is an inquiry-based teaching tool, in which students of all ages and levels participate in an authentic task that use pre-designed, pre-defined internet resources, though other print resources can also be used. Learners will put the focus on gathering, summarizing, synthesizing, and evaluating the information within clearly defined parameters in order to accomplish an authentic task set by the instructor. WebQuest takes a problem-solving approach and exhibits a clear structure that guides the learning processes and interactions (Dodge, 2001), and can be used for different subject areas across age levels, from young children to adult learners (Ezell, Klein, Hines, & Hall, 2003). In teacher preparation, research has shown that WebQuest enhanced problem-solving skills, higher order thinking, motivation, creativity, critical thinking, active learning, connection to authentic contexts (Abu-Elwan, 2007; Allan & Street, 2007; Lim & Hernandez, 2007) and assisted in bridging the theory to practice gap (Lim & Hernandez, 2007). It should be noted that most studies were conducted on the subject areas of Math, literacy, or science. In Singapore context, many local teachers still haven’t heard of WebQuest and learned about using WebQuest in their teaching. Further, few research studies have focused on establishing WebQuest as an evidence-based practice in enhancing teaching and learning or a pedagogy promoting Universal Design for Learning and inquiry based learning. This research project intends to introduce WebQuest, to be modelled and integrated into two different courses, one training early childhood and primary school teachers and the other training teachers in secondary levels in Singapore. Teachers were taught to develop WebQuest of their own as supplemental materials and class project for their students (either in K-6 primary schools, or in secondary levels). In addition, teachers answered open ended question to offer their feedback in the development of WebQuest to enhance student engagement and problem solving skills. Examples of teachers' WebQuest products will be shared in this presentation. This presentation will also present teachers' insights on the benefits of using WebQuest to enhance teaching and learning.

Keywords:

Teacher preparation, educational technologies, student engagement.