Inquiry-Based Teaching & Learning

Louise Robitaille & Peter Douglas

Brain Fun

Research shows that a relaxed, non-threatening environment that reduces students’ fear of failure is considered to enhance learning.

Inquiry-Based TeachingFocus of this workshop is to share what we’ve been doing with inquiry in Pete’s classroom and to let you experience a mini-inquiry.

Our approach to teaching has changed.

The next slide...what do you think of this teacher?

Boring Economic Teacher

The Inquiry Approach

file:///Users/office/Downloads/Inquiry%20Based%20Teaching.mp4

http://www.inquiry-based.com

Resources

1.Steps to InquiryBuild background knowledge - books, mini-research, movie festival (learn 360, Brainpop...)

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2. Steps to Inquiry

Teacher models ‘Things That We Have Learned and Questions We Have’ chart. Then let the groups work on their own chart.

Also, start a vocabulary anchor chart that is posted in the classroom throughout the inquiry.

3. Steps to InquiryGive students time to share their questions and learning with the class and post their work in the classroom.

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4. Steps to InquiryNow that we have their questions, have sparked interest and curiosity, we build hands on, open-ended work stations for small group work.

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Benefits of Small-Group Work

Small groups are lifelike.

Small groups generate energy for challenging work.

In small groups, we are smarter.

In small groups, diversity is an asset.

Small groups make engaged, interactive learning possible.

Small groups allow us to differentiate instruction.

Employers increasingly require small-group skills.

Well-structured small-group work enhances student achievement.

!Comprehension & Collaboration - Inquiry Circles in Action by Stephanie Harvey and Harvey Daniels

5. Steps to InquirySmall group work!

Students absolutely must be able to work effectively together in small groups. At the beginning of the school year, we teach collaborative lessons.

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6. Steps to InquirySharing with peers, town council, local newspaper, blogging, school community...

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Mini-Inquiry

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

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Resource:  Comprehension  and  Collaboration  -­  Inquiry  Circles  in  Action    by  Stephanie  Harvey  and  Harvey  Daniels  

!Podcast:  This  American  Life  i.e.  Little  War  on  the  Prairie    !Websites:      www.oessta.blogspot.com  www.historicalthinking.ca  www.historicacanada.ca  www.tc2.ca  www.teachinghistory.org    www.sheg.stanford.edu  www.virtualhistorian.ca    www.herstoriescafe.com    www.historicalthinkingmaters.org  www.thenhier.ca  !

Thank you!

pdouglas@smcdsb.on.ca & lrobitaille@smcdsb.on.ca

www.inquiry-based.com

www.inquiry-based.blogspot.com

Twitter - @robitaille2011

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/InquiryBased

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