Dominant Theories about Primary Science

Contend that knowledge is the key. Ovens challenges this view, showing, through case studies, that inquiry and reflection play a significant part in the learning process.

This applies to pupils, teachers and teacher educators. Taking curiosity as a pre-condition for good learning, Ovens shows that it is possible to increase the desire to learn more and learn better, to improve confidence in the ability to inquire, to imbue pupils with the courage to seek improvement, to place trust in collaborative processes, to raise awareness of significant detail and to encourage open-mindedness.