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.

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

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

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Summary - Inventions Term 3 Room Four

Summary:

Use of the Question map:
I have had trouble getting my head around this thinking map, so I joined with a colleague and observed how it was done with older children. Once I had visually seen the map evolving over several modelling sessions I felt more competent in trying the map with my own class and it worked!!!!. Observing the older children in group situations, I realised that 3 or 4 heads of differing levels, enables them to bounce ideas off each other and that the young kids are learning from this “watching and listening”.
The young children are thinking about using the key word before asking a question and most of them are remembering the 7 servants to begin with.

Key Competency: Participation and Contributing:

Observations of mixed groups, differing levels of abilities and ages, to me was a valuable time in which to see how these groups of children could / couldn’t work together. That gave me the opportunity to encourage and teach those children who hadn’t developed the skills as yet to “get a turn” to share their own ideas, regardless of what it might be, and further extend their ideas with my help.

Stages of Sharing and Action:

This stage was highly successful with the “hands on activities”
Those children who have some difficulty with abstract oral explanations blossomed in the “making side” of the activities, where it’s actually the “doing and seeing” that they can talk about.

Cheers Room 4

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Inquiry Review

The staff at Oroua Downs School are using this blog to review INQUIRY and to see where our next step is.
Each member of staff is asked to reflect on the following questions and write responses, this is to refine our teaching, the learning children do and the monitoring of this. This is also being used as a tool to develop on going professional development once our ICT contract is completed at the end of the year.

As lead teacher I am asking that staff reflect upon and suggest ideas for further development under the following headings:
  • How do you thnk our model is working? Are there any changes that need to be made?
  • Within each stage, are there any issues that you have, what are they and do you have any suggestions for further development?
  • 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?
  • Can you suggest any ideas to further develop our understanding of inquiry?
  • Discuss the use of ICTs throughout the inquiry process.
  • How do you hink our supporting documentation is going - are there any gaps that we need to fill?
  • What PD support would you find most beneficial in 2010 as far as ICT and inquiry goes?

Thanks for your time and input.

Tarnz

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Reflections on Inventions

Immersion/Organise
This was a really good Inquiry as it catered well for both genders but particularly saw our boys achieve success throughout the stages.
Reflection:
I have been reflecting on the fact that a lot of the time is spent on these stages and I am finding that Immersion continues through to the Organising stage and I'm wondering if I am not providing enough time for the Discovery stage?
My other thought though, is whether this contributes to more focussed participation/motivation for the Discovery stage (which I do see with majority of students) and this may contribute to the students working quickly through it.
Do teachers work to a time frame for each stage?
Immersion/Organising
We discovered, within the first few days, that we had the knowledge of Inventions and could brainstorm excessively various types of inventions. One of the true successes through this, was the discussion that the students instigated about all types of products/machinery... and were debating whether this and that were inventions. They concluded that everything was invented at some stage! I listened tentatively as more and more students volunteered their opinion and watched others take it on-board. The Contributing and Participation in the discussion was great and it continued for 15/20 minutes.
Our brainstorms lead us to look more closely at who the inventors were. Through the use of an Alphaladder on Inventors, the students were focused into discovering what was invented and when. Thus the gap in knowledge began to close. From here we went on to create our Wonderings wall. This involves the students writing a question or two (using our seven servants and higher order questioning skills - these are on permanent display) based on what they want to find out. The students needed more modelling of the skills required and so more teaching time was required than anticipated. However, I discovered later on that this would be beneficial when we went on to use our question map as we went through the teaching process quicker than I thought. The constant use of Graphic Organisers and the questioning skills display is what I really enjoy about our entry into our specific Inquiry. The students are still thinking about their task but it appears more focused as the emphasis on recording is lifted. (ie: pressure to write lots is off and most recording is more succinct).
The purpose of the Inquiry was set very early during this one and the motivation to become inventors and retailers! lead to a very successful Inquiry for Rockin Rua.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Inquiry - Inventions Room Five - Yr 3 & 4

SUMMARY

Successes

Immersion
The idea of ‘Invention’ is huge so the children had to think about what they knew already, about inventions and their purposes. These ideas were recorded on a Fishbone G.O. They worked in pairs, learning from one another, then shared their ideas in groups of six. Some students debated whether something was an invention or not. eg. carrot seeds. I asked them to find out. The children worked in pairs filling in an Alpha Ladder, thinking about how many inventions they could think of in 15 minutes. FUN

Making another person’s invention and experimenting with them [origami peeking crows and sailboats] made the children think about the process of making someone else’s design. They learned that you needed to follow instructions carefully to succeed but also, that there was always someone in your group to help you, a benefit of participating together. They found out that inventing was creating.

Guess what I am? talks about an Invention where the students had to describe the Invention and it’s action, was fun and made everyone listen carefully to the clues before they gave a calculated guess. Then the invention was shown to everybody and handled. The children gained a lot of knowledge from each other. They also had to think about a previous or similar invention which had the same purpose or a later adapted invention, these class discussions took place after each talk.

During instructional reading, two groups read about Inventors and their unusual Inventions. They had to read a short passage of information, then choose their answer from 4 multiple choice possibilities and then substantiate their answers. The children had to think carefully, assimilating information from the text and the diagrams. The children gave very valid explanations for their answers having made informed judgements.
Participating and Contributing
Working in teams with the Year Ones and Twos, from the ORGANISING Stage to EVALUATION gave the Year Three and Four students an opportunity to be leaders. They learned to accommodate the younger children, and the younger children watched and listened, and were encouraged to participate and contribute to their team activities, learning all the time from the older children. The younger children were supported in activities eg using Graphic Organisers. The teacher’s role was to encourage.
The Participating and Contributing Rubric which the classes ‘owned,’ was referred to often – how do we work successfully together? And the children knew. The biggest benefit to the children in Teams was the pooling of ideas and shared expertise. They analysed possibilities together, agreeing or disagreeing – reasoning, looking at Data- finding out what information it was giving them etc. Everyone listened to each other and asked questions.


Graphic Organisers

Question Map –Organise Stage - Difficulties and Successes

This has been modelled by the teacher more than once, with the children contributing their ideas for them. The KEY WORDS became obvious to most children eg. Chocolate Sailboats need to be TASTY. How can we make them TASTY? I still find that a few children have the greatest difficulty working out what the verb should be. For example, Snake pencils NEED pipe cleaners, Snake pencils MUST be attractive. Also when this part has been done, the odd child forgets to write the question and just writes the answer. They need to look at the question starters - Kiplings Seven Servants down the side of the page to help them. I give these children examples of verbs you can use and a model to check on.
When each team did a question map for their product, a large model was displayed on the wall for them to refer to. Each part was done in a different colour to make it stand out clearly. All the teams completed theirs successfully with lots of discussion, and they found out that they’d gained some very useful information that would help them with the next Stage, the planning and design of their product. They learned ‘where to go next.’

Chain of Events-Discover Stage

Using the Chain of Events G.O. made the children think about the practical aspects required, before making their chosen invention
eg. when, where, how, what, etc This G.O. clearly illustrated ‘discovery’ the children learning from it, what was needed to be done before they could begin the Sharing Stage of Making.