Anita- grades 5/6 sped teacher in Connecticut- always looking for news way to incorporate inquiry into my direct instruction. It can be challenging with such structured programs required with sped kids! #dojochat
A1: for me it’s about nurturing curiosity of my students and being FLEXIBLE if that sometimes takes us in a different direction than I’d planned #dojochat
A2 Inquiry Learning can be very loud and chaotic or very concentrated and focused. It all depends on the class. Some Ss need to bounce ideas off one another. #dojochat
a.2. It can look like students on the computer, researching, building etc. When we were studying the water system, students had to figure out how to filter dirty water to clean water and build a filtration system---they did a great job! #dojochat
Q2: Last project my class did was gardening. It turned into basically a mini Shark Tank where kids broke into teams and developed projects for our KinderGARDEN Market Days. It all started with reading “Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden” and having great discussions. #dojochat
A3: As a teacher with inquiry based learning - you have to be prepared to be flexible and go with the flow of your students. Also, real life connections are key to drive them and spark their flames! #dojochat
A3: Plan with a big idea and a basic understanding of what you want kids to learn. Be FLEXIBLE and see where it takes you! Try your best to set timelines and stick with them. Explore how to make projects cross-curricular. Allow for voice and choice as much as you can. #dojochat
A3: spending lots of time early in the year on procedures, routines, and rules... getting that classroom culture just right. When that’s all set, the inquiry just grows on its own because children want to take risks. #dojochat
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A1: Inquiry based learning is about allowing students to explore their curiosity. To have the ability to be engaged in learning something that interest them.
A3: It is great to plan and collaborate with other grade level team members, math coach and/or other school specialists keeping in mind students interest, abilities ...#dojochat
Thanks Carley! While it’s inspiring what the students at Parkland did to take their efforts nationally, a huge splash isn’t necessary when it comes to making a difference. Starting in your own backyard is a great way to make change. #dojochat
For us it's a little hard since we have to follow a curriculum to give 100% free range but I like letting them come up with ideas of ways they can express their knowledge or take action! #dojochat
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You can plan for inquiry-based learning by ensuring you have the resources and materials available for students to explore their interests. Afterwards, it is about ensuring that the students have time to reflect on their learning.
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A2: Inquiry based learning in the classroom would have students using a variety of tools and resources to research, write, and present their interests to the class. The students would be enthusiastic to be exploring their interests.
A4: Kids CARE about what they’re learning! I see higher level thinking skills used constantly. They get the opportunity to be creative and take on different roles. They learn how to collaborate and take on different roles. They’re able to showcase their strengths. #dojochat
A4: Students become more independent in their learning, rely on teacher less, learn the guide their own learning, how to work cooperatively, realizing a passion they possibly didn't know they had.
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A4 students learn how to solve real world problems on their own (including navigating the social problems that naturally come up with inquiry based learning!) #dojochat
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A4: The benefits on inquiry based learning is that students are engaged and excited to learn. They are able to reflect on their own learning to learn more about themselves as students.
A5: With great provocations and real life connections - when you MOVE them in a way that provokes their emotions or fuels their interest in the topic, they start to soar with questions! #dojochat
A5: I ask my own questions. When they realize I don’t know it all, they’re more comfortable just posing a question about a topic they’re curious about. #dojochat
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A5: Notice something that initially seems minute and insignificant. During summer school I realized my students showed interest in worms. I created an entire unit from worm that they loved!
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My first year teaching I had a "Proud Wall" where students could display their work. What if you had a "Wonder Wall" where students could post questions they have about topics of interest?
A5: Your own excitement can help spark theirs. Starting with the right driving question helps a lot. Knowing your kids and what they’re already interested, then finding a way to have that match your curriculum/standards is also key. #dojochat
A5 (continued): For our current unit we sealed bottles of water shut and passed them out and when they couldnt open them we told them it was because not everyone has access to water - this promoted a lot of curiosity #dojochat
A5: Lay the groundwork by building strong relationships. Listen and learn student interests. Build on that knowledge to inspire and generate curiosity. #dojochat
A5: I start by asking questions. As the year goes on, they feel that the classroom is a safe and judgement free environment for them to wonder, ask questions, and challenge each other. #dojochat
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A5: I think you can inspire students to get curious and ask questions by showing your own excitement and curiosity for learning more about topics. You can model how to ask questions and find answers for things the class in curious about.
A6: Having community experts you can bring in helps a lot. I was able to get many supplies for my last project by posting about it a lot on our Class Story and letting parents know what we needed. #dojochat
A6: We make lots of anchor charts, similar to KWL. On a separate note, I have my students sit around our circle rug. This makes it so all students are included in our classroom community. #dojochat
I always shout out to my class parents in class story too about needing experts, possible community events related to the theme or topic, and also asking them for resources that relate to the topic! #dojochat
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A7: I think you relate the topics to what matters to students lives. Make it real world problems and topics. Students will be inspired to take action and make changes if it directly impacts their lives.
A8: A few - first a teacher trying to figure out how to just "go with the flow" was tough, getting parents to understand this concept was also a challenge, and not always having all the resources you need or want to execute the inquiry well! #dojochat
A8: Also I should mention with parents - getting them to communicate inquiry and actions happening at home... often times things go on at home and we never know about them! #dojochat
A8: One problem I’ve faced is trying to have grade-level-wide projects that align when classes may take the original idea in different directions. Allowing for projects to be super kid-driven when different classes may have very different ideas. We’re #oneteamoneplan#dojochat
A8 I just don’t know how to implement it in a resource room! Not enough time to teach IEP goals and curriculum... but would love to use it to achieve both. No clue where to start though! #dojochat
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A8: The biggest challenge is not having the time and resources. I also need to learn more about inquiry based learning myself to properly execute it.
A9: This makes me think of my endangered animals project my students did last year - they presented on the animal and had to present a solution - many made web pages, later a sea turtle was rescued in our city and this group was in shock ... #dojochat
A9: I was lucky enough to go to an inquiry-based school myself for grades 5-8. THOSE are the years I learned the most (before college). Starting to see the same excitement I experienced as a learner now in my own students? 😍😍😍 #dojochat
A9 (continued): They thought their web site had reached others and they had made a difference... this was my heart melting moment! I loved that they felt empowered! #dojochat
Alright everyone - that wraps up our chat on inquiry for tonight! Buddy up your new contacts from the chat tonight to continue chatting on and sharing ideas! Sharing is caring! Thank you all so much for a great chat! It's been a pleasure as always! #dojochat
Thank you @MissAinChile for a great chat 🙌 Join us next Wednesday for the FINAL #dojochat of the season! 😱 Don't miss out, we love our #dojofam and wouldn't want to miss out ❤️
