KimL

Essential Question Why is Inquiry a valid framework for learning?

Inquiry is the process of advancing our knowledge. A key skill we want for our students, to become deep thinkers and have a deeper knowledge of learning.

__Dictionary Definition__ Webster’s Third International Dictionary (1986), // inquiry // is an  “act or an instance of seeking for truth, information, or knowledge; investigation; research; or a question or query” (p. 1167), while the root word // inquire // means “to ask for information about, to make an investigation or search, to seek information or questioning” (p. 1167).

__Inspiring Quotes__

"The program challenges students to ask important questions, conduct in-depth research, analyse findings, report in a variety of ways and reflect on their responsibility as global citizens. In doing so we seek to develop higher order thinking skills, positive attitudes toward learning." This quote comes from an IB school where inquiry is in full force. I really like the quote because I feel that it touches upon the key elements of inquiry for our students.

"Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand." A quote from the below link. [|Concept to Classroom]

Key principles of Inquiry Learning from the above link. All learning activities should focus on using information-processing skills (from observations to synthesis) and applying the discipline "ground rules" as a means to learn content set in a broad conceptual context. Inquiry learning puts the learner at the center of an active learning process, and the systemic elements (the teacher, instructional resources, technology, and so forth) are prepared or aligned to support the learner. The role of the teacher becomes one of facilitating the learning process. The teacher also becomes a learner by finding out more about the learner and the process of inquiry learning. What is assessed is what is valued. Therefore, more emphasis needs to be placed on assessing the development of information-processing skills, nurtured habits of mind, or "ground rules" of the discipline, and conceptual understandings -- rather than just the content of the field.
 * Principle [[image:http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/images/num_s1.gif width="9" height="13" caption="1"]]:**
 * Principle [[image:http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/images/num_s2.gif width="12" height="13" caption="2"]]:**
 * Principle [[image:http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/images/num_s3.gif width="12" height="15" caption="3"]]:**
 * Principle [[image:http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/images/num_s4.gif width="12" height="14" caption="4"]]:**

__People of Inquiry__ John Dewey

__JOURNEY #1__ Inquiry, inquiry, inquiry...a learning process for the teacher and for the student to deepen their knowledge and learning of global concepts. A learning process that puts students at the center of learning, where they can make personal connections with what they are learning because they have guided their own learning through guiding questions. Student, questions and questioning are at the heart of inquiry.

__Reflection #1__ I am at the point of pure learning, questioning and understanding everything that I have been faced with about Inquiry. I want to be able to put Inquiry into practice but I am at step 1 on my way to step two. I have researched and have started to discover what Inquiry is and now the journey continues for me with an open mind, spirit and a desire to learn as much as I can....

//“The quality of your life depends upon the quality of the questions you ask.”// Andrew Kern Absolutely love this quote because if you never ask you will never know.
 * __Day 2__**

What classroom environment features stimulate inquiry? A variety of activities that allow for exploring, questioning and interactions with each other stimulate inquiry, as well as creating a time and place for questions whether that be through an activity, question boxes, journals, etc... that allow students to explore questions all the time. Posters of questions, bloom's, questioning strategy and have questioning cubes, dice etc...all help to allow for inquiry.

Not yes or no open ended require personal knowledge and connections a question that leads to more questions produces an outcome opinion based - life experiences not one definitive answer meaningful relevant to students
 * Essential Questions**

Main Ideas from Enduring Questions -- Taken from the article by Eric Cooks

Enduring questions are ones that challenge the greatest minds and intrigue the simplest ones.

An enduring question is one that can be asked again and again, through the ages.

1. ' We should ask enduring questions because they lead to thoughtful, soul searching reflection about great ideas. A great question generates deep thinking, rethinking, discourse, analysis, debate, and reflection. It challenges presuppositions, creates dilemmas, and requires more precise thinking. Enduring questions force us to think about what it means to be human and reflect upon great ideas that shape who we are.'

2. 'Enduring questions make life and learning engaging and interesting. Enduring questions keep our minds active and engaged. They keep us pondering what is most pertinent to our souls and thus keep us active in the pursuit of truth'

3. 'Enduring questions lead to more questions. Enduring questions are embedded with layers of great ideas. They inevitably require more questions and more careful contemplation.'

'If you are interested in improving the quality of your life, consider the quality of the questions you are asking.'

- questions that can be asked again and again - deep thinking - make life and learning engaging and interesting - keep minds active and engaged - debatable - leads to more questions - **a great question leads to deep thinking, rethinking, discourse, analysis, debate, and reflection** - questions add to your own learning - good questions have layers of answers and ideas - reflect upon our personal lives and how questions shape who we are
 * Share with group** **above article**

Essential questions guide the learning of our students to the arrival of what we want them to learn. They allow for personal, knowledge and connections from the students. They are important because students are at the center of their learning.
 * What are essential questions and why are they important?**

__Reflection #2__ I have reached a point where Essential Questions are starting to form more easily and I have a better understanding of writing them. My frustration has lessened but not left, I still feel somewhat worried about writing questions that inspire and connect with my students. Today I have reached a new step and many articles, quotes and conversations have opened my eyes to inquiry and the process of beginning it in my class.

Well number on my first reflection is missing???

I finally see a little more process just what I have been waiting for. I want to jump ahead all the time and need to slow down and stay in the moment of planning. I want to see the whole picture when I need to see it step by step first of all. I feel again as though we receive so much info to take in and think about that it overwhelms me at times. But slowly, slowly things are coming together.

Jan 23 Reflection

I feel that I am an apprentice that at times becomes lost in the woods or takes the wrong path. I feel that I am at a learning and exploring stage and dependent on many people for guidance and knowledge. At times I feel a sense of confidence in my knowledge and then I move on to the next step and again begin to question my confidence and wealth of knowledge about inquiry. I am a book that is slowly having the pages filled.