Inquiry-Based Learning -- I'm "ALL EARS!!!"

 

Inquiry-based learning has always been present in the classroom.  The difference is the role that the teacher serves in order to facilitate it.  I agree completely with Diana Laufenberg!  Where to obtain the information in order to learn has certainly changed over time.  Not only has the location changed, but so has the amount of information available, too!  This goes back to the week where we discussed "Information Overload"!  As a teacher, I must teach leaners how to develop a "growth-mindset", using "credible sources", and keeping in mind "digital citizenship"!  All things that we have read about and studied in FRIT 7234!

Inquiry-based learning in my fourth grade Math and Science classroom can take a variety of forms using a wide range of resources.  The FIRST place that it needs to be present is in the planning phase for each unit or topic in which I must research, collaborate, communicate, question, problem-solve, and understand what needs to be discovered by the students.  Once I know what should be expected out of the students, I must discuss with them and develop their learning goals together.  After we layout what evidence would prove that they understood and learned, the students would take control of the research and discovery of the content.  Next, the students would present evidence of learning to me in creative and informative ways.  Finally, we would all discuss and critique as a class in order to elaborate on what was learned and correct any misconceptions that may have developed!

In my opinion, what I just described above sounds like the ideal inquiry-based environment that fully facilitates learning!  However, in my experience, the classroom cannot look like this from day one.  It takes lots of training on procedures and routines in order to get to this point!  It also takes a behavior management system in your classroom that promotes respect between the teacher and students, as well as respect amongst peers.  Because of this, many teachers are sometimes "Inquiry-based learnophobes". (copyright pending!)  They are often scared to "Let Go!"  The reality is, if we were to fully adopt the principles of an inquiry-based model as a school, we would see the growth and improvement of our students.

Ideas For My Mini-Lessons:

• Each mini-lesson must start with a problem or question that will grab the students attention and ignite questions of their own. 
• These questions that the students develop should be used to guide the students in a discussion of ways to incorporate different resources and methods that may provide the answers to their questions. 
• A culminating task should be developed together in order to insure that the students know what is expected of them, and what evidence they will need to show in order to prove that learning occurred.
• During the learning process, students will use a set of curated resources in order to insure the resources are credible and contain information on the students' individual level. 
• Students should reflect on what was learned during the process and evaluate themselves on how close they are to completing their learning goals.  These reflections should communicate that the students understand the What, How and Why of learning that is taking place.
• Finally, they will complete the assessment and receive targeted feedback that should direct the students' future improvement.
• Throughout the process, students should display ethical citizenship.