Inquiry Minds in the Primary Years

Given access to resources and tools to solve a problem

Collaborating ideas with community in order to enhance learning

Teachers are transparent in their teaching - students know what the learning goals and expectations are

Evolves in 4 phases

1. Choose a Focus/Problem - ask questions that challenge thinking, integrate 'big idea'

2. Share Learning - answer initial questions and probe further

3. Exploration - investigate information, record it, receive teacher support

4. Analyse - use information to determine the meaning or solution of the 'big idea'

Create a strong learning community

Encourage teamwork and trust among all students

Express importance of contribution - give purpose

Teacher acts as mentor - important to build trust between student and teacher

Uses investigation skills to learn

constructive learning approach, students develop automony

Focuses on a 'Big Idea' that relates to curriculum

Promotes skill development, rather than memorizing content information

Promotes self-regulated learners

Considers differentiated instruction and allows for open-ended research

Students are working on projects in an individualistic way, but are meeting the same curriculum expectations and developing the same skills.

Encourages thinking and reflection