Let the learning begin!

We know that kids need to “buy into” the assignment to be motivated. So how do we create assignments that inspire students? I believe that using inquiry-based techniques in and out of the classroom (in the case of remote-learning), are essential to fueling the fire of interest-based learning.

In my first blog post, I identified a few key words and questions that I would use as plan for my learning. They are as follows:

One question that I should have included is quite simply, what is Inquiry? Inquiry teaching is still quite new to some of the teachers that I will be working with. I decided that I first would need to provide an explanation and a “hook” for teachers to buy into the idea.

This is a TedTalk video by Kath Murdoch (author of The Power of Inquiry) that gives teachers an idea of what is inquiry-based learning without being overwhelming. It is inspirational.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFt15Ig64Yg

Which type of inquiry should be explored in a French Immersion grade 7 classroom? The French-Immersion classroom has some unique challenges to Inquiry learning. The students are in the process of learning a second language and are at different stages in this process. Literacy levels in French are usually lower than in English.

In other words, they may be able to read Harry Potter in English but could not read the translated version in French. The vocabulary is just too challenging. To read in French, students often turn to high-interest, low vocabulary books. This can make it very difficult to find resources in French that are at the students’ reading levels, without being too juvenile. I read the following article published by the McDowell Foundation and found it to be a very practical approach to fostering inquiry in the French Immersion classroom.

http://mcdowellfoundation.ca/research/using-an-inquiry-based-approach-in-early-childhood-french-immersion/

How to craft an essential question that captures the students’ curiosity?

Trevor Mackenzie describes the role that questions play in Inquiry learning beautifully in his book “Inquiry Mindset”. “Great ideas start with a question.” (Mackenzie, Inquiry Mindset, 81). Pulling strategies from this chapter will help me guide teachers (and eventually students) to craft their own essential questions.

What are the four pillars of Inquiry? Here is a link to a YouTube video posted by Trevor Mackenzie about the four pillars of Inquiry:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zoe-Il5Xoo0

Trevor Mackenzie talked about how all too often students tell him that they are just not passionate about anything. I immediately thought of the many middle school students who are probably feeling the same way. Trevor Mackenzie gave a thoughtful response as to how cultivate impassioned learning by using the other pillars of Inquiry.

How to foster a spirit of collaboration and communication between students and teachers? I have come across a few websites and links that I believe will be useful not only to foster collaboration and communication but to provide motivation to start and persevere with this type of learning.

1.     The Wonderment is a non-profit platform for collective impact and exploration.

In 2011, as part of the non-profit org Kidnected World, we started working with young people who had ideas to impact their communities. After years of learning and fieldwork, we saw that kids, teachers and community leaders needed a place online where their ideas and work could live, grow and connect with others—a place where local ideas and action could be part of a global community. And so The Wonderment was born. (The Wonderment, quoting).

https://thewonderment.com/

2.     SOLE is Self Organized Learning Environments

Self Organized Learning Environments (SOLE) is a simple educational approach designed to promote inquiry and foster self-empowerment. (SOLE, quoting).

https://startsole.org/about/

3.     Youcubed by Jo Boaler is a great site for open-ended Math questions. I will be working with Math and Science teachers and I wanted to explore a resource that offers open-ended Math activities to make a connections with Inquiry learning.

https://www.youcubed.org/

And of course, what about assessment?

It hasn’t been that long since I was a classroom teacher and I can remember thinking during professional learning days, “This is great but how does this work for report cards?”.

Assessment is an important part of inquiry and Kath Murdoch’s chapter on assessment does a great job or providing concrete and practical ways to assess learning during the Inquiry process. I will be exploring chapter 8 of her book, “The Power of Inquiry”, where she identifies 5 practices to plan for assessment during Inquiry.

And now, let the learning begin!