What does Inquiry mean to Tanya H????

I think Inquiry is fantastic! I love the hands-on approach and the student's ownership of their learning. Here are some more of my thoughts......
Immersion:
I've come to realise the absolute importance of getting the student's motivated and excited from the very beginning of the Inquiry. This is where it is vital to provide opportunities to engross our learners.
New learning:
The scene for the new learning is set in Immersion and should allow student's to actively contribute/participate and own their learning. Student's need to feel valued and safe so they can take risks.
Questioning:
I really think that student's need to be actively encouraged to pose questions that are meaningful and relevant to them. Those initial curiosities/questions are like pieces of gold and for some students can be the total motivation throughout the Inquiry.
Understanding:
This begins at the initial start of the learning to ensure that student's know what the Inquiry is actually asking and they continue to develop deeper understandings as they question/analyse and reflect on their journey.
Involvement:
For me, this has got to be the essential ingredient for taking an Inquiry approach. I really love the opportunities for student-centered learning and a more personal hands-on.
Relevance:
The Inquiry needs to be relevant and meaningful with a real-life context so that the learning approach is motivating and 'captures' the students from the onset. This also applies to resources and opportunities that I provide to enhance and encourage the learning.
Yes!
This is where actions are being decided. We've acquired/analysed and assessed throughout the Inquiry. We've had direct teaching of questioning skills/use of graphic organisers-thinking tools and reflected on our findings...NOW we are ready to take ACTION!

So these are some of my own thoughts on the new learning that I've been participating in!!!!
Tanya Hunter @O.D.S