Myth 1: Guided Inquiry is not project based learning – PBL is a different pedagogy, another process.
Myth 2: Guided Inquiry is not a quickie program – it follows a strict procedural process, it must be collaboratively planned and this, along with the facilitation of the program, takes time.
Myth 3: Not everything I do is Guided Inquiry – I also run short, tailored enrichment programs that are rigorous and high order but they are not GI.
Take a look at this diagram:
Stages of Inquiry
GI is a way of teaching – a cultural change in some respects. The process is designed in a way that gets the most out of students, as they use their critical thinking and collaborative skills. Students are guided to deep learning through seven explicit stages, followed by an evaluation stage. They are given instructions and guidance in their research process and they are free to take up their own research pathways, leading to their own discovery.
Time to Explore
GI is constructivist in that students are given time in their teams with their resources, developing their own understanding. Time is given for students to locate and analyse sources and they are assisted in this process by their learning coaches. As students discover more, they challenge themselves, asking questions and engaging with curriculum content and the real world, to find answers.
Metacognition
Learning coaches draw attention to student emotions throughout their learning process and as a result, metacognition increases as students learn strategies to overcome feelings of challenge and uncertainty. Whilst students experience authentic learning, consume varied resources and make real world connections, they form an inquiry question that they ultimately answer. The project ends with the sharing of their answer and an evaluation of learning.
Take a look at this presentation. More GI resources will be uploaded soon.
In the meantime, if you think GI fits in with your plans, let me know.
Cheers,
Barbara A
This was really helpful to me, Barbara. Especially the diagram: it helps me to plan and program for Guided Inquiry in my own classes and to explain the process to the girls.
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