What have we learned about Inquiry?

The information below is designed to invite coaches and curriculum leaders to consider the directions they can take in regards to the inquiry process 

What resonates with you? Share with a colleague

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“The great end of education is to discipline rather than to furnish the mind; to train it to the use of its own powers rather than to fill it with the accumulation of others.” — Tyron Edwards

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What does a #knowledgebuilding classroom sound like?

Students paraphrasing each other to build their knowledge and understanding "so what you're saying is..." As well as adding on to an idea

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A2 disciplinary thinking is engaging. By addressing it we might be more likely to pose tasks that are concerned with real issues 

@rajalingam

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"inquiry" ...works well when students are comfortable at looking at failing in a different way: F.A.I.L - First Attempt In Learning!

@sillebob

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Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve

@Primary_Ed

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How do inquiry teachers teach? (reflection)

4. They let kids in on the secret – inquiry teachers have a transparent style. It’s not just about putting learning intentions up on the wall – they constantly ensure their kids know why they are doing what they are doing.  Inquiry teachers often think aloud – they reveal the complexities and the joys of learning to their students by being a learner.

katemurdoch

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Observations from the field

Inquiry begins with the teacher modeling an atmosphere of inquiry (video clip + sound clip)

Use inquiry circles to get started with inquiry

Intermediate Inquiry Circles from adp center on Vimeo.
http://vimeo.com/23329676

See how this teacher models the process for developing wonder and questions that can lead to inquiry. (Watch the first 3 minutes of the clip)

Teachers take a deliberate approach to teach the language of inquiry - talk on task, accountable talk 

Teachers can built the culture of inquiry by providing opportunities for students to develop the language of inquiry.

Consider some of the video clips on the Accounts Talk Blog post

http://problembased.blogspot.ca/p/developing-language-of-inquiry.html

TDSB teachers can also see how to integrate these ideas in meaningful ways through the following supports (requires AW login):

• Approaches to Teaching Lesson Series - Accountable Talk
• Geography Grade7/8 Teaching Supports (integrates accountable talk related to disciplinary thinking)

Teachers Connect Inquiry, Success Criteria and    
             Assessment 

As teachers connect guiding questions with success criteria and assessment they determine their role in the process

For example , see the video on developing good inquiry questions
                               

As teachers connect guiding questions with success criteria and assessment they determine their role in the process

For example, monitoring the process, provide feedback, teach specific lessons focusing on content and skills

Supports

• TDSB teachers (requires AW login) can access Approaches to Inquiry - 25 lessons devised to support particular aspect of inquiry and the use of disciplinary thinking.
• OESSTA has created lessons to support inquiry and disciplinary thinking for all teachersSee Math, Language, Spatial Skills Resources
• The Ministry of Education has designed some supports as well.
  See Financial Literacy  

 Practicing different approaches to develop and improve questions is integral to student inquiry

Teachers work with students to sort and value all types of questions. See Developing Questions page for details.










Tools to support the inquiry are used on a regular basis  - RAN Organizer

The RAN organizer becomes the tool that teachers can use as the inquiry progresses throughout the unit.

RAN Inquiry Guide

Click here to access the template

See how one teacher has adapted the model

TDSB Teachers can access the Approaches to Teaching lesson - Learning Journals
 

Reflection: 

• Can your students benefits from organizers? 
• How can the RAN organizer support teaching and learning?

 Thinking

Inquiry creates an environment that welcomes and requires thinking (critical thinking, disciplinary thinking)

Teachers need to praise the thinking  (attention to detail)

During class discussions: if you want others to respond - ask does anyone have a different response or opinion?

Assess their thinking and not their answers 

Provide opportunities to make observations and inferences
See resource video using images