Journey Summary
This session guides you through an inquiry-based learning activity, explores ways to develop a culture of inquiry in your classroom, and delves into strategies you can use to build a classroom where learning is guided by discovery and inquiry.
Curriculum-framing Questions
Essential Question
- How might we build a sense of wonderment in our students?
Unit Questions
- How can teachers develop a culture of inquiry in the classroom?
- How might teachers approach inquiry as a mindset?
Content Questions
- What are some strategies teachers can use to guide student inquiry in the classroom on a regular basis?
- What are some strategies teachers might use to get students asking questions?
Introduction
Cultivating a culture of inquiry in the classroom is more than implementing a few inquiry-based lessons. It is the development of a community that values ideas and honors the risks learners take in their journeys through discovery and inquiry to deeper understandings. These types of experiences help students strengthen connections between content and learning. The eMINTS Instructional Model and research support using authentic learning and student-guided inquiry as best learning practice strategies.
Theory Behind Practice
All eMINTS materials are grounded in research-based best practices in K-12 education.
Digging Deeper
Agenda
- Opener:
- Option 1 – Making Meaning
- Option 2 – Wonder Jar
- Parachute Challenge
- Adding a Little Inquiry
- Closer: Quote Collage
Classroom Visit w/Students
Watch modeling of a questioning strategy, an inquiry task, or a method of adding a little inquiry to a lesson. Complete a reflection conversation after the modeling experience.
Classroom Visit w/out Students
Discuss ideas for having an inquiry mindset as you plan lessons and determine how you might “add a little inquiry” to daily lessons. Complete a planning or reflecting conversion around your inquiry task and questioning strategy lesson.
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