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