Field-Based Inquiry as a Signature Pedagogy for Geography in Singapore

Abstract

For school geography in Singapore, geographical inquiry is identified as a “signature pedagogy” (Shulman 2005a Shulman, L. S. 2005a. Pedagogies of uncertainty. Liberal Education 91 (2):18–25. [Google Scholar]) that can socialize students into the distinctive practices, concepts, and values of the discipline of geography. This article explores how field-based inquiry is applied across four secondary schools in Singapore to develop an understanding of teachers’ knowledge and practices of disciplined inquiry. We outline the practical challenges and opportunities involved in adopting inquiry as a signature pedagogy for school geography. The results suggest a need to develop teachers’ place-based knowledge and relevant scientific content knowledge to support the design of field-based learning experiences for students.