Action Plan

Now that we have developed our vision, we need to relate this to inquiry. We need to ensure our belief system matches with what we are aiming to do with inquiry. We have developed an action plan, focussing on inquiry, once this has been completed, we will work on our next step.

Goal 1:Identify key elements of inquiry
Staff to prepare for next meeting by engaging with reading on the subject of inquiry based learning
What is inquiry? (reference: Wells, Gordon (2001).Action, talk & text: learning & Teaching through inquiry. New York, NY: Teachers college Press ;Taken from the Galileo site

Guided Inquiry: six characteristics of guided inquiry Dr Carol C. Kuhlthau & Dr. Ross J Todd ; Taken from CISSL site

What is inquiry-based learning Taken from concept to classroom site

From information discovered/reinforced in readings, each staff member to write statements as to what inquiry based learning is.
Outcome: Create a deeper understanding of inquiry

Goal 2: Compare understanding of inquiry with ODS vision
Identify key elements of inquiry
Compare these key elements to the ‘traditional’ approach to teaching
Question the similaritiesCompare key elements to vision, discuss and state how inquiry fits into vision
Outcome:
Reaffirm beliefs behind vision statement
Create understanding of inquiry and the key elements of approach

Goal 3: Know what inquiry-based learning will look like in classrooms
Discuss what would be seen in an inquiry-based classroom
Discuss how this would compare to a traditional approach classrooms
Discuss and define what the teachers role in within this kind of approach
Reinforce ideas with further reading ‘The learning environment for guided inquiry’ Kuhlthau&Todd
Outcome: Create visual understanding of how classrooms will facilitate inquiry-based learningDeepen understanding of the role of the teacher and how it will change compared to traditional approach

Goal 4: Discuss how inquiry based learning impacts on student outcomes.
Brainstorm the student achievement outcomes and how these connect to our vision
Discuss what are improved student outcomes as a result of engaging with inquiry learning – how will these be achieved, what will the facilitators role be and how will this impact on outcomes.
Outcome: Have a clear understanding of the impact the inquiry will have on classroom environments, teacher roles and increased student outcomes


Looking ahead…
Develop a common understanding of our vision
Develop a common understanding of the elements of inquiry
Develop a key set of thinking tools
Look at assessment and developing rubrics

Another busy and exciting chapter in our inquiry journey has begun.