Reflections of how the model is working in Rocking Rua
How is the model working?
It has been working really well but my main concern is the amount of time spent
on Immersion/Organise. We spend two weeks on Immersion and then move to Organise but there seems to be a large overlap and organising our learning takes over half our time. Am I spending too long on this?
I don’t think this reflects the need for change but I need to have colleague discussions on this to see if others are finding the same.
Within each stage, are there any issues arising?
Each stage is easy to follow and we have clear guidelines on the expectations of each stage. It is more of the time factor that is an issue for me.
Do we need to make any changes to our Assessment rubric?
In the Communication of Results: The jump from stage 2 to 3 is large and on stage 2 the child can share the answer to one question but on stage 3 they are clearly and confidently reporting and providing supporting evidence. Could this be broken down further? It seems that students are confidently answering their questions but need a lot more guidance to go further and provide supporting evidence.
Can you suggest any ways to further our understanding of Inquiry?
I think that PD into other schools may help our understanding but I wonder if collegial discussions might provide further understanding. We seem to go off and complete the tasks but bring very little back to each other. Our facilitator checks in with all of us and we can ask questions etc but we don’t seem to have these discussions with each other. An understanding of how Inquiry is working in younger/older classes could be beneficial for us.
Discuss the use of ICT in Inquiry?
Where would Rocking Rua be without it!!!
The integration of ICT tools in Inquiry seems natural and provides further stimulating learning. The students are keen to use the tools for research and enjoy adding photographic evidence if able. They are becoming more confident users and the tools are used daily during our Inquiry.
How is supporting documentation going?
I think that the documentation is enough. It provides clear links on what is going to happen and how it is going to happen. I find our documentation thorough and easy to use.
What PD would you find useful for 2010?
I was thinking that visiting other schools could be useful but only if they are following a similar path of Inquiry.
Could PD on a particular stage be more useful? Do we use the same tools as others to get to the next stage?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Reflection on Inquiry
How do you think our model is working? Are there any changes that need to be made?
I think the model is working OK, seems to be a natural flow on. The main aspect that isn’t really working too well is the knowledge if it by the students. Ideally it would be better to have it as a mnemonic but I think changing it at this stage would not be beneficial. I think that it is up to the teachers to use the language when teaching to the model and also for visuals to be evident in the classroom – there are visuals now but perhaps they need redesigning so they are more eye catching to the students, and not just in the classrooms but also down the corridor, on the website and in the staffroom – the higher the exposure the better it will be.
Within each stage, are there any issues that you have, what are they and do you have any suggestions for further development?
I still feel that the immersion stage is vitally important, this sets up the whole inquiry. However, I know for me that this can drag out a bit and perhaps we need to set some time limits for each stage – so the momentum continues – just something to think about.
Also I do think that action needs to drive the inquiry – there needs to be a purpose for the students. I feel that although our inventors unit was fun, it was hard to work through the stages due to the very nature of the unit, perhaps we need to do more strategic planning so that each stage is utilised the best.
The assessment rubric seems to be working thus far - do we need to make changes and are there any other aspects of assessment that need further discussions?
There seems to be large jumps from a few sections. There is a lot of skills needed to move form one stage to another and sometimes the lines are a bit blurred. I do think we need a whole stage at each skill for doing things with support, this is not in there yet. I still think that this needs to be coded more so the lines aren’t as blurred, one teachers opinion or judgement could be very different from anothers, if we used something like SOLO then there would be no confusions – this is a direction that the whole school would need to invest in and would be a new pathway to follow, perhaps an option for when we are more comfortable with the changes we are making now.
Can you suggest any ideas to further develop our understanding of inquiry?
I do believe that seeing inquiry in action would be beneficial, it is fine having lead teacher bring ideas back but each teacher sees tings differently, having first hand expereince has to be more valuable for the individuals. However, there needs to be a self motivation from each staff member to do their own research and learning. It can’t be left up to one person. My biggest worry is that since lead teacher wont be in the school for the first half of next year, that the momentum will slow, someone needs to continue to drive this, teachers need to be researching and trialling ideas for this to continue to develop.
Discuss the use of ICTs throughout the inquiry process.
ICTs are a vital component of inquiry, it is a mind shift that is needed. Once we are confident with applications we need to think creatively about how the can benefit learners and create authentic learning experiences. I would love to see our school continue to move forward with this, to get more on the global stage, but investment and the importance placed on ICT will need to change for this to happen. Our hardware lets us down, yes I realise that it is an expense, but it really comes do to priorities and also teacher skills level and the willing to continually push yourself out of your comfort zone.
How do you think our supporting documentation is going - are there any gaps that we need to fill?
It has taken a long time (believe me I know) but the documentation will be ready in the next couple of weeks.
Each staff member has received it in stages has they have been developed, but now it is collated and will be in a inquiry folder for each class.
What PD support would you find most beneficial in 2010 as far as ICT and inquiry goes?
Visiting other schools, teacher motivation and expectations lifted from the leader of the school to ensure there is still and importance placed on this change we are making.
I think the model is working OK, seems to be a natural flow on. The main aspect that isn’t really working too well is the knowledge if it by the students. Ideally it would be better to have it as a mnemonic but I think changing it at this stage would not be beneficial. I think that it is up to the teachers to use the language when teaching to the model and also for visuals to be evident in the classroom – there are visuals now but perhaps they need redesigning so they are more eye catching to the students, and not just in the classrooms but also down the corridor, on the website and in the staffroom – the higher the exposure the better it will be.
Within each stage, are there any issues that you have, what are they and do you have any suggestions for further development?
I still feel that the immersion stage is vitally important, this sets up the whole inquiry. However, I know for me that this can drag out a bit and perhaps we need to set some time limits for each stage – so the momentum continues – just something to think about.
Also I do think that action needs to drive the inquiry – there needs to be a purpose for the students. I feel that although our inventors unit was fun, it was hard to work through the stages due to the very nature of the unit, perhaps we need to do more strategic planning so that each stage is utilised the best.
The assessment rubric seems to be working thus far - do we need to make changes and are there any other aspects of assessment that need further discussions?
There seems to be large jumps from a few sections. There is a lot of skills needed to move form one stage to another and sometimes the lines are a bit blurred. I do think we need a whole stage at each skill for doing things with support, this is not in there yet. I still think that this needs to be coded more so the lines aren’t as blurred, one teachers opinion or judgement could be very different from anothers, if we used something like SOLO then there would be no confusions – this is a direction that the whole school would need to invest in and would be a new pathway to follow, perhaps an option for when we are more comfortable with the changes we are making now.
Can you suggest any ideas to further develop our understanding of inquiry?
I do believe that seeing inquiry in action would be beneficial, it is fine having lead teacher bring ideas back but each teacher sees tings differently, having first hand expereince has to be more valuable for the individuals. However, there needs to be a self motivation from each staff member to do their own research and learning. It can’t be left up to one person. My biggest worry is that since lead teacher wont be in the school for the first half of next year, that the momentum will slow, someone needs to continue to drive this, teachers need to be researching and trialling ideas for this to continue to develop.
Discuss the use of ICTs throughout the inquiry process.
ICTs are a vital component of inquiry, it is a mind shift that is needed. Once we are confident with applications we need to think creatively about how the can benefit learners and create authentic learning experiences. I would love to see our school continue to move forward with this, to get more on the global stage, but investment and the importance placed on ICT will need to change for this to happen. Our hardware lets us down, yes I realise that it is an expense, but it really comes do to priorities and also teacher skills level and the willing to continually push yourself out of your comfort zone.
How do you think our supporting documentation is going - are there any gaps that we need to fill?
It has taken a long time (believe me I know) but the documentation will be ready in the next couple of weeks.
Each staff member has received it in stages has they have been developed, but now it is collated and will be in a inquiry folder for each class.
What PD support would you find most beneficial in 2010 as far as ICT and inquiry goes?
Visiting other schools, teacher motivation and expectations lifted from the leader of the school to ensure there is still and importance placed on this change we are making.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
My reflections on how Oroua Downs Inquiry Model is working for me.
How do you think our model is working? Are there any changes that need to be made?
I like the model we are using. It is easy to follow, not too complicated.
Within each stage, are there any issues that you have, what are they and do you have any suggestions for further development?
I don’t use the specific words of the stages enough by saying that now we are working on the organising stage, or the immersion stage. So the kids are not really aware of the stages although some can remember some things we have done like the y charts and the tally charts. That’s my challenge for next time.
The assessment rubric seems to be working thus far - do we need to make changes and are there any other aspects of assessment that need further discussions?
I like the way the Assessment Rubric is set out. On the Questioning part of the Rubric, it would be helpful to have another level included between 2 and 3 which could be, can use a question map with teacher guidance.
Collection of information column – Stage 1 – should read with teacher guidance.
Just ideas to think about!
Can you suggest any ideas to further develop our understanding of inquiry?
I think the topics have to be chosen very carefully so tasks are hands on. Children respond really well to this. I know that my level of children like topics about things that live and grow. I have found some of the topics obscure for their level of thinking. I need to keep on with the practise of the delivery of inquiry. I would like to visit some other schools and see what they are doing for inquiry.
Discuss the use of ICTs throughout the inquiry process
My class have learnt to use different ICT tools during our journey and they do enjoy the visual side of producing and experimenting with the tools. It has been and will continue to be hard yacka with the new entrant kids who don’t have many skills to start with. I have learned along side the kids too. I would like time to consolidate all the tools learned this year, next year.
How do you think our supporting documentation is going - are there any gaps that we need to fill?
It will be great to have our own sourced document and I know you are working 100% on finishing for us.
What PD support would you find most beneficial in 2010 as far as ICT and inquiry goes?
Visit other schools as I have already mentioned.
Assessment tasks I find tricky.
Liz Sullivan Room 4
How do you think our model is working? Are there any changes that need to be made?
I like the model we are using. It is easy to follow, not too complicated.
Within each stage, are there any issues that you have, what are they and do you have any suggestions for further development?
I don’t use the specific words of the stages enough by saying that now we are working on the organising stage, or the immersion stage. So the kids are not really aware of the stages although some can remember some things we have done like the y charts and the tally charts. That’s my challenge for next time.
The assessment rubric seems to be working thus far - do we need to make changes and are there any other aspects of assessment that need further discussions?
I like the way the Assessment Rubric is set out. On the Questioning part of the Rubric, it would be helpful to have another level included between 2 and 3 which could be, can use a question map with teacher guidance.
Collection of information column – Stage 1 – should read with teacher guidance.
Just ideas to think about!
Can you suggest any ideas to further develop our understanding of inquiry?
I think the topics have to be chosen very carefully so tasks are hands on. Children respond really well to this. I know that my level of children like topics about things that live and grow. I have found some of the topics obscure for their level of thinking. I need to keep on with the practise of the delivery of inquiry. I would like to visit some other schools and see what they are doing for inquiry.
Discuss the use of ICTs throughout the inquiry process
My class have learnt to use different ICT tools during our journey and they do enjoy the visual side of producing and experimenting with the tools. It has been and will continue to be hard yacka with the new entrant kids who don’t have many skills to start with. I have learned along side the kids too. I would like time to consolidate all the tools learned this year, next year.
How do you think our supporting documentation is going - are there any gaps that we need to fill?
It will be great to have our own sourced document and I know you are working 100% on finishing for us.
What PD support would you find most beneficial in 2010 as far as ICT and inquiry goes?
Visit other schools as I have already mentioned.
Assessment tasks I find tricky.
Liz Sullivan Room 4
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Reflections on Our Inquiry Process
How do you think our model is working?
I think our model is straight forward and is working well, it is just a matter of me as a teacher ‘knowing’ it and being really familiar with what Thinking tools to use at each Stage. I still think about which one will serve ‘the purpose’ best.
The Invention and Heroes Inquiries, I felt, were very successful, the children being very motivated throughout. And learning how to develop specific questions using the Question Map and refining them will be ongoing. The Key Competencies, being owned by the children and referred to often, made the students aware of what is required of them when Thinking, Relating to Others and Participating and Contributing, developing the necessary skills for living in a challenging world, communicating with people. Also, our choices of Inquiry topics have been good – meaningful to the learner with many practical activities and an authentic Action at the end.
Issues within each stage and suggestions for further development
I can’t think of any issues or suggestions for further development.
Changes to the Assessment Rubric and other aspects of assessment that need further discussion
In the Questioning Rubric, I think it would be beneficial to include another level before the ‘can use a Question Map‘ – ‘can use a Question Map with teacher guidance’
Assessment - maybe each term’s assessment could be discussed by all the staff more, for shared imput, clarity and keeping everyone on the same wavelength.
Ideas to further develop our understanding of Inquiry
I think working closely with another staff member and sharing ideas helps one’s understanding of Inquiry and the children benefit. As a teacher, I just have to ensure that I quickly get to the point, where I understand the Stages implicitly.
The Use of ICT throughout the Inquiry Process
Using a camera, phone, fax and computer as tools, are happening in Inquiry. The children have used several different computer Websites and Programmes to find information and Present work. They like experimenting and being able to create a new look that’s their own, that can be edited and changed easily. They are always eager and excited when they go to get their work off the Printer.
Being able to make their own Photo Stories and presenting them to the school, makes the children feel successful and they still have a sense of wonderment of it.
The children like to go the Class Blog when they’ve done something they are very involved with, pleased with or proud of. They like to see photos accompanying their written work.
It would be good to get more parents making comments.
Supporting Documentation
The Planning document is very helpful and keeps you on track, and our assessments in the Roll book and children’s Portfolio,
with accompanied work, plus the storage of many photos, Photo stories, art and written language on the computer, are all worthwhile documentation. I can’t think of any gaps because I feel we’re very thorough.
ICT and Inquiry Professional Development for 2010
It would be good to consolidate what we we’ve learned, but we will need some P.D. to keep up to date and to continue upgrading our skills, but not so full on, perhaps one goal per term?
Barbara Noaro Teacher of Year 3 & 4 children Room 5
How do you think our model is working?
I think our model is straight forward and is working well, it is just a matter of me as a teacher ‘knowing’ it and being really familiar with what Thinking tools to use at each Stage. I still think about which one will serve ‘the purpose’ best.
The Invention and Heroes Inquiries, I felt, were very successful, the children being very motivated throughout. And learning how to develop specific questions using the Question Map and refining them will be ongoing. The Key Competencies, being owned by the children and referred to often, made the students aware of what is required of them when Thinking, Relating to Others and Participating and Contributing, developing the necessary skills for living in a challenging world, communicating with people. Also, our choices of Inquiry topics have been good – meaningful to the learner with many practical activities and an authentic Action at the end.
Issues within each stage and suggestions for further development
I can’t think of any issues or suggestions for further development.
Changes to the Assessment Rubric and other aspects of assessment that need further discussion
In the Questioning Rubric, I think it would be beneficial to include another level before the ‘can use a Question Map‘ – ‘can use a Question Map with teacher guidance’
Assessment - maybe each term’s assessment could be discussed by all the staff more, for shared imput, clarity and keeping everyone on the same wavelength.
Ideas to further develop our understanding of Inquiry
I think working closely with another staff member and sharing ideas helps one’s understanding of Inquiry and the children benefit. As a teacher, I just have to ensure that I quickly get to the point, where I understand the Stages implicitly.
The Use of ICT throughout the Inquiry Process
Using a camera, phone, fax and computer as tools, are happening in Inquiry. The children have used several different computer Websites and Programmes to find information and Present work. They like experimenting and being able to create a new look that’s their own, that can be edited and changed easily. They are always eager and excited when they go to get their work off the Printer.
Being able to make their own Photo Stories and presenting them to the school, makes the children feel successful and they still have a sense of wonderment of it.
The children like to go the Class Blog when they’ve done something they are very involved with, pleased with or proud of. They like to see photos accompanying their written work.
It would be good to get more parents making comments.
Supporting Documentation
The Planning document is very helpful and keeps you on track, and our assessments in the Roll book and children’s Portfolio,
with accompanied work, plus the storage of many photos, Photo stories, art and written language on the computer, are all worthwhile documentation. I can’t think of any gaps because I feel we’re very thorough.
ICT and Inquiry Professional Development for 2010
It would be good to consolidate what we we’ve learned, but we will need some P.D. to keep up to date and to continue upgrading our skills, but not so full on, perhaps one goal per term?
Barbara Noaro Teacher of Year 3 & 4 children Room 5
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