Teaching as inquiry: engaging preservice teachers with research

This paper describes an initiative aimed at fostering inquiry-oriented learning through the introduction of the core unit Teachers as Researchers into the first year of the undergraduate program at the Institute of Early Childhood, Macquarie University. The unit contained three components: 1) introductory research skills for first-year students; 2) training for information technology skills; and 3) a hands-on approach where staff were engaged in research about the students' learning. These aspects of the Teachers as Researchers unit combined to make it a powerful learning experience for students and staff alike. Several outcomes are evident in the early data analysis. First, students gained confidence in their developing ICT skills, and second, the unit has made a notable contribution to encouraging a 'community of inquiry' amongst pre-service teachers.