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