Kim

Inquiry Learning is: - when the teacher helps the students learn for themselves - acts as the facilitator or coach - knowledge is built in a step-wise fashion - involvement leads to understanding

Now that I have a better understanding of what it is .... where do I go from here?????

Essential Question:

I am beginning to feel more comfortable and have a better understanding of what inquiry learning is. Am I able to explain it to someone else? Doubtful, but it is becoming clearer to me. I am struggling with the empowerment part of the question and getting students to care. I am concerned with the technology side of this process and the students who have limited access (as well as my limited access and comfort-level).


 * Inquiry Unit: Doing Our Part for Planet Earth

Essential question: Why should people care about the planet?

Guiding questions:** • What are some problems facing the environment? • What do you think will happen to the environment during your lifetime? • Of all the ways that we may be doing harm to the earth, which concerns you most? (How do we empower students to value questioning and caring about answering?) • What are some things that you and your peers can do to show your respect and care for the environment?

Random Thoughts....... The technology was a little overwhelming. There were many new tools introduced to me and these tools will require more time to sit and actually experiment with so I will be comfortable using and assisting the students. I am excited about the unit we have chosen to focus on, and believe the students will find one idea which will "empower" them to achieve the higher level of thinking. The biggest challenge was narrowing the objectives while keeping the essential question/guiding questions in mind.

March 4 Where am I at the process of understanding inquiry learning as to where I was at the beginning? I feel very confident with teaching this unit and the process of inquiry learning. At the beginning I was very uncertain of how students will learn and how I maintain control while giving the students the freedom to learn and discover on their own. I have experienced the inquiry process through the development of this unit and working with supportive colleagues throughout the experience.

What is my perception of the overall experience? I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and am very excited about everything I have learned. I was very hesitant with the technology but my confidence and comfort has increased greatly. I enjoyed working with everyone and would consider this experience again.