Teaching Learning Strategies

We have listed our top rated strategies for Problem based learning /inquiry that you can use this afternoon in your classroom.

A) Using provocations is an approach that teachers can use to encourage students to take control of their own learning, by getting inside problems and issues, to find appropriate ways forward. Read this article to see how one teacher views provocations

https://justwonderingblog.com/tag/provocations/

Consider using newspaper articles, images, artifacts, and videos that cause students to wonder and provoke questions. A walk in the school yard or a near by park can be the provocation.

B) Developing the language of inquiry  (How to?)

Get your class ready for inquiry by developing accountable talk. Use activities like hot topics to provide opportunities for your class to practice the skills needed for inquiry 

What does it look like?
A) See the following clips that show the accountable talk and knowledge building process in a middle school.

Accountable Talk - Growing Ideas                   Accountable Talk- Creating Culture
https://vimeo.com/134243243                           https://vimeo.com/134243014
See teachers and students talking about the process. The original prompts are listed below in the resource section.
Click below to access examples of the prompts (Google Drive)  that you can post in your classroom:

Examples of accountable talk, geographical thinking

C) Using Geographic Resources 

The QuarryProvocation/Inquiry is an example of the way teachers or students can organize resources for analysis. Collect maps, graphs, charts and images related to a topic then begin to interpret and analyze the information.

Note the ways that literacy and numeracy can be applied to this investigation.

D) How can I find out what they know?

Consider using the RAN teaching strategy (RAN Organizer). This is based on Tony Snead's adaptation of the KWL chart. To access the file click here. (Word)

http://www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/mkiva/ran.cfm

See how one teacher has adapted the model
http://raine6.blogspot.ca/2013/03/using-ran-strategy-for-inquiry-based.html#.VFuyZfmjOm4

E) Knowledge building is an essential component to inquiry. As students are engaged in answering questions related to their investigations they build knowledge. See the attached files to help you see how knowledge building fits into the inquiry process. This is a great way to begin doing inquiry in your class. This video example is great for primary classes. The whole text can be found in Natural Curiosities found at http://www.naturalcuriosity.ca/

                                        

F) Building Concept Recognition

One the key tools to develop an understanding of concepts is the Frayer Model. This model can be added to as the unit continues and students build their understanding. Click here to access the file and videos of teachers using the approach.

Note that there are different variations on the format

 

G) Teaching with maps and images. Students can explore geographical concepts using these types of tools. See the video  (Select Using Geographic Resources) to gain a better understanding of this process. 

G) To develop spatial skills begin using My Maps - part of the Google's GAFE
   
                          

H) Using Images to Support Learning

https://www.flickr.com/photos/archivesofontario/14845696240/in/photostream/

Images can be effective tools for engaging students while teaching social studies. Old photographs and artwork turn your classroom into a history lab by offering students a glimpse into the past, and an image from which to think about daily life, culture, and change through time.
https://www.facinghistory.org/for-educators/educator-resources/teaching-strategies/analyzing-visual-images-stere

In this approach students make observations first and then inferences. In this way they have evidence to support their interpretations.

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See how you can address the content through an inquiry approach using images.
http://sourcedocs.tc2.ca/picture-sets/strategies-for-investigating-pictures.html

This resource contains nine featured activities for using photographs, drawings and paintings as information sources. Four of the activities, highlighted below, are included with a subscription to the Source Docs collection. The complete set is available for purchase.
http://tc2.ca/teaching-resources/print-publications/investigating-sources.php

Investigating Sources consists of two collections of online and print resources to help students learn to make effective use of pictures and realistic fiction as sources of information:
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I) Apply the Geographic Definition to your geographic inquiries
   (What is Where? Why there? Why care?)

The basic definition for geography can be applied to all geographic inquiries.

Click here to see a video explanation (select Developing an understanding of Geography)

to learn more about the geographic definition. 
Watch the video series noted above to gain an understanding of how images and maps can be used along with the geographic definition.

Also, click here to see sample ideas about how the geographic definition can be applied to grades 1-6 in Ontario.