Throw Away the Script: Examining the Introduction of a Guided Mathematical Inquiry Unit

Explicit teaching, an instructional method promoted by Australian Education Departments over studentcentred methods, entails teacher-led instruction and sequenced breakdown of student tasks. Inquiry-Based Learning is often considered an opposing, student-centred approach, which explicit teaching proponents argue lacks guidance and support. In this paper, we examine one experienced teacher’s introduction of a Guided Mathematical Inquiry (GMI) unit to provide insight into key teacher practices and illustrate the approach in practice. The findings suggest that GMI establishes, guides and supports contextual and discipline knowledge in mathematics from the start of the lesson. Teacher considerations for implementation of GMI are provided.