Applying Principles of Inquiry Based Practices
Inquiry Learning
This weeks resources have opened my eyes further to skills associated with inquiry learning. I thought that I had developed a pretty deep understanding of this topic previously, but I find myself able to apply and relate to inquiry based practices even more now that I'm truly understanding the concept. Inquiry learning is not just providing students with technology and allowing them to create presentations demonstrating their understanding. Inquiry learning nurtures a deep way of thinking and doing with students. For example, inquiry develops a deeper understanding of content, developing communication, questions, and research skills that are needed for applying in real world situations. Most importantly, inquiry learning assists students in being more confident and independent 21st century learners.
Teachers can teach well without the use of technology, but the students will not be able to move beyond that barrier in real life without successful learning and use of 21st century learning. Yes, as educators it can be intimidating to use current technology, but the students are learning with you. We are experiencing collaboration beyond the school walls, expressing oneself beyond text and written words, practicing overcoming frequent information overload, and acquiring digital fluency. In order for students to use technology to become 21st century learners, teachers must take the first leap and dive into experiencing technology so that it can be incorporated into our teaching.
I have studied and have developed a deep understanding of the 8 principles of a strong inquiry-based practice and plan to utilize these principles when developing my mini-lessons. These principles consist of:
- authenticity
- deep understanding
- assessment
- appropriate use of technology
- student success
- connecting with experts
- performance understanding
- ethical citizenship
Jessica, I am impressed by your confidence with and knowledge of technology and 21st century learners. The members of my blog group have been valuable resources to me, so I agree that technology promotes collaboration beyond the school walls. Reading the blog posts each week gives me insight into the minds of other educators striving to create inquiry-based classrooms. Your statement regarding teaching without technology is interesting. Yes, I guess we could technically teach our standards without technology, but our students would only be prepared for a high-stakes test, not the real world. If our goal is to teach children and to encourage lifelong learners, technology will be a valuable part of instruction and assessment.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about teachers needing to dive in and use technology in order to incorporate it into their instruction. This is a challenge I face as a media resource specialist....How do you convince some teachers they really should 'just try' to use technology?!?? I found myself nodding my head agreeing with Tolisano as I was reading the "Get Over It!" blog. I LOVE THIS! I've tried many of the same strategies she mentions when trying to work with teachers who are fearful of technology. I am definitely going to have to remember this resource as I prepare to work with the technophobes next school year (there are only a few).
ReplyDeleteTechnology is becoming a big part in education. Teachers need to be able to incorporate it into their lessons. For many veteran teachers the advances in technology are difficult and they are having to learn how to use them. I feel that inquiry based learning is going to become a big part of education as the years pass. This allows students to learn to work through things until the find the right answer. Diane Laufenberg said, "Learning is not about going to school it's about experiential learning, student voice and embracing failure." Inquiry Learning encompases all of these things.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have a good grip on what you need to do to integrate inquiry learning to your classroom. Your planning to use a blog to allow the students to display their understanding of the learning goals is a good idea.
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