Questions of Import. Difference of Opinion Some questions matter more to some than others. Significance is defined to some extent by personal issues, tastes and interests. Several people looking at the image below might pose very different questions. Some might pose questions about media, media coverage and media literacy. Others might be intrigued by Michael himself and the drama surrounding his passing. Awakening a Sense of Import In some cases, young students may not recognize the import of an image, a poem or a set of numbers. The painting mentioned in the sample lesson above, "Four Boys on the Beach" by Winslow Homer, is a case in point. The boys' body language may be a matter of import but young students may not naturally fix their attention on how the boys are sitting. By definition, questions of import are intended to explore meanings.
Making School and Learning Important. Replacing Faux Inquiry with the Real Thing. Why should teachers nurture potent questioning skills and behaviors? As a practical matter, students need to be able to read between the lines, infer meaning, draw conclusions from disparate clues and avoid the traps of presumptive intelligence, bias and predisposition. They need these thinking skills to score well on increasingly tough school tests, but more importantly, they need these skills to score well on the increasingly baffling tests of life . . . how to vote? How to work? How to love? How to honor? How to respect? Drill and practice combined with highly scripted lessons stressing patterns and prescriptions amount to mental robbery - setting low standards for disadvantaged students so they end up incapable of thought or success on demanding tests.
This approach contributes to high dropout and attrition rates - early school departures and millions of children left behind. Www.kathmurdoch.com.au/uploads/media/framingtheinquiry.pdf. Www.kathmurdoch.com.au/uploads/media/PlanningPowerfulUnitsOfInquiry2011.pdf. Www.kathmurdoch.com.au/uploads/media/whatdoinquiryteachersdo.pdf. Inquiry. How to: Inquiry | YouthLearn. Will you ever just walk into class and ask, "Okay, what do you want to study today?
" Of course not. Inquiry-based learning is founded on students taking the lead in their own learning, but it still requires considerable planning on your part. Projects must fit into your larger program structure, goals and plans, but the students will be actively involved in planning the projects with you and asking the questions that launch their individual inquiries. The Importance of Planning It's impossible to project all the possible ways in which you can build inquiry into programs, projects and activities, but preparing for most projects involves three basic steps: Pre-planning: Before going to the kids, determine any preliminary factors or characteristics that must be true in order to achieve your larger goals or plans. Ask questions such as "Where could you find resources to answer your questions? " Step-by-Step Through the Techniques Step 1: Posing Real Questions Step 2: Finding Relevant Resources.
Inquiry Learning. In some ways trying to answer this question is like trying to answer the question "How long is a piece of string? " However it is a very important question for any school implementing Inquiry Learning as a school-wide approach to consider. Different people will have different ideas, and different 'experts' will all push their own theories and ideas. It would be foolish to think that I would be any different, so the following material comes with an 'Opinion Warning'. The ideas expressed here have been formed over seven years of working with schools as they implement Inquiry Learning.
They are based on experience, but are still opinions and as such need to be weighed carefully in the light of your own experiences, knowledge and understanding, and compared to what others are also saying. I believe there are a number of aspects that are essential to be considered as you form your own answer to this question. Goals: Curriculum Integration: Developing Independent Learners: Resources: References. Lynross.wikispaces.com/file/view/Rich concepts table.pdf/298432798/Rich concepts table.pdf. Lynross.wikispaces.com/file/view/Understanding Inquiry Learning.pdf/370403212/Understanding Inquiry Learning.pdf.