Inquiry Learning is an investigation into an idea, question, problem or issue. It involves gathering information, building knowledge and developing deep understanding. Our model includes the following stages:

Tuning In/Immersion - Gaining Prior Knowledge and New Knowledge

Purpose:

• To engage students
• To find out what we think, believe, feel
• To gauge student interest and attitude - to ignite their interest
• To introduce or clarify language

Finding Out/Knowledge - Knowledge

Purpose:

• To take the students beyond what they already know
• To challenge students ideas, beliefs and values
• To enable students to use skills (e.g. thinking, communication, co-operation, research skills) and knowledge to collect new information

Sorting Out - Comprehension Application

Purpose:

• To sort out, organise, represent and present information from the finding out stage of the unit
• How can we help students make sense of the data they have gathered
• How will they process, sort out and organise their ideas
• To provide opportunities for the students to use their preferred ways of learning to demonstrate their learning (knowledge skills values)

Going Further - Analysis

Purpose:

• To extend/broaden the unit if time permits or appropriate
• To allow students to follow independent line of inquiry, where applicable or practical
• To consolidate through homework
• To allow for learning in preferred learning style

Making Conclusions - Synthesis/Presentation/Creation

Purpose:

• To provide opportunities to present their work/findings
• To provide opportunities for children to think about their learning
• To draw conclusions and make connections between ideas
• To identify changes in skill, attitudes and values
• To refer back to initial brainstorms or wonderings
• To assess if appropriate

While we know Inquiry is an effective teaching approach we must have students strong in literacy and numeracy.