Thoughts on Inquiry Based Learning (Week 7)

Thanks to this course, my classmates, and instructor, I've learned that using inquiry based learning is not difficult or intimidating at all. So many of the examples that have been shared and talked about are engaging for students and teachers, and are FUN! Since my students are naturally curious little beings, this type of instruction will be great in my classroom. Now, I'll have to start small, but I'm eager to try some of the lessons I've designed during this course.

I think the easiest way to implement inquiry in my classroom is to simply encourage and promote questions. I want my students to ask questions, and help them with resources in order for them to form their own answers. It's this constant questioning that creates life-long learners, and that is what all of my students to become! :)

Thoughts on Inquiry Based Learning (Week 6)

This week I learned about the 5Es!! Who knew these five words would be so helpful in designing an inquiry based lesson. Up until this week inquiry based lessons have been a a really cool idea, but tricky to imagine in action. The 5es are a great as a guideline for what needs to happen in the lesson. Planning the lessons out using this guideline takes a lot of the mystery away, and leaves you with a solid grasp on what's going to take place in the classroom. I like to go with the flow in the classroom, but a great plan makes the "flow" possible.

I'm more excited than ever to use inquiry in the classroom, and now I feel even more prepared to do so!!

Thoughts on Inquiry Based Learning (Week 5)

I enjoy using Web 2.0 tools with my students as frequently as possible. I have the responsibility of modeling the tools and guiding the students through a step-by-step process in order for them to have success. My students learn multiple lessons when using technology in the classroom.

I've learned from experience to focus on just one or two tools. My students typically catch on quickly, but sticking to a couple web tools ensures that they will work toward independent success.

This week I realized that images are a valuable teaching tool. A class Flickr account has endless possibilities; taking photos, sharing them, discussing them, and using them in presentations. I'm eager to use these ideas in my classroom.

Sometimes I feel discouraged knowing that I work with such a young group of students, and knowing that I can't use many of the Web 2.0 tools available. I know that my students can master some of the Web 2.0 tools, but I always hope for more.

Is this hope for more unrealistic? I mean...they're only five.

Thoughts on Inquiry Based Learning (Week 4)

So this week I flexed my questioning abilities. I've always enjoyed stimulating classroom discussions, and discovering that asking the right questions can make discussions flow easily. Sometimes teachers/students get frustrated in the classroom because questions are not being asked or worded so that intentioned discussions are taking place. I find this discussion/questioning challenge to be an enjoyable one. I always love to question my students, and pose similar questions differently for much different responses.

So this week classified questions into two groups, investigable and non investigable. This classification helps drive discussion, investigation, and instruction. Understanding these question types is so helpful in the classroom. I've learned that this week. I've also learned that I've always used various question types. Now I know how these questions are beneficial, and why I should continue to question even more.

So, how does a teacher best implement investigable questions? Is it best to plan lesson revolving around such questioning, or plan your lessons but incorporate the various question types into the lesson. Should lesson be developed for the sole purpose of inquiry, or do I include some type of inquiry in any/all lessons? Is there a "best" way to go about inquiry?

Thoughts on Inquiry Based Learning (Week 3)

So, this week I watched the video and thought, "Hey, I do that!" The instructor in the college prep physics class was using a form of the KWL chart my students know, and LOVE. They absolutely love telling me what they know, about topics, and you know what? They know A LOT! They don't hold back when it comes to what they think the know. And the beauty of the KWL is that they NEVER stop asking questions about what they want to know. Inquiry is taking place in my classroom frequently. However, we don't always get to answer all of the questions that my students come up with, and this is where I feel I could do more when to help my students.

When we gather knowledge in kindergarten it's typically through a story, a short video via Discovery Streaming, or getting our hands dirty doing something. Since my students read and write independently much later in the year, we share a lot with whole group/small group with much of the information coming from me. So one question I have is: Is discussion enough with this age, or does there need to be some type of product? A drawing, simple statement, photo, or demonstration...

This week I learned that my students need to ask the questions. I need to question them, and then they can find the answer with some help.

Thoughts on Inquiry Based Learning (Week 2)

This week the course focussed on classroom community, abilities and understandings, and the essential learning skills. Reflecting on the topic of classroom community leaves me feeling confident and satisfied. I feel that I have an excellent grasp on creating a wonderful environment for my students. My students are respected, praised, and encouraged, they are taught to understand and appreciate others, and I love being a part of it. It's this type of environment that lends itself well to successful inquiry based lessons.

Through the abilities and understandings activity I learned that creating a lesson that focusses on inquiry is a challenge, but still fun. The lesson design helps students question, investigate, and evaluate data. The lesson design is fun, as well as the lesson, it's keeps all involved engaged.

The process skills, or the skills utilized during inquiry based lessons are essential, and students can practice them by participating in inquiry lessons. They are automatic and naturally occurring, which makes them easy to grasp. With more and more exposure, students can grow with these skills.

With new growth and knowledge comes more understanding, and for me that means inquiry based learning is becoming less difficult to describe and understand. These ideas help me get more of a grasp upon this learning style, and are leading to new ideas about how to use inquiry in my own classroom.

Thoughts on Inquiry Based Learning

Most of my background with Inquiry Based Learning comes from York College of Pennsylvania where I completed my undergrad degree. My Teaching Science in Elementary School course was taught with this book. The instructor provided us with real opportunities to be the students. She'd provide us with materials, allow us to "play," and brainstorm what we could possibly do with the given materials. I must say the experience was exciting, freeing, and
powerful. Of course this is just one example of an inquiry based lesson, and with some know-how and creativity one could come up with endless inquiry based lessons.

Over the week, through the readings, and postings, I've regained an interest in using more inquiry based lessons. I'm reliving my own experiences with the concept, and remembering how memorable they were. However, I'm struggling with how I could implement them in my Kindergarten Language Arts lessons. So much of early reading lessons are based upon direct instruction. Writing could be an area that would be more lending to an inquiry based lesson, but my students are independent writers near the end of the school year.

I guess my interest is piqued, I want to use these types of lesson, but have no idea where to start. Good thing I've got this course, and the rest of summer vacation to plan and strategize!