Part of the work I do supporting schools in their teaching and assessment growth is in Learning Labs. This is not uncommon in the professional development field of work, getting into classrooms and modelling or co-teaching a lesson, showing strategies and routines in action. Talking about and planning learning only takes us so far in our growth as teachers. It is when we put things into practice, and even better, when we do so together, that the conditions for rich reflection, collaborative inquiry, and broader growth can occur. Some features of Learning Labs that I facilitate are:

I am often asked how might I define inquiry. It seems a grappling point for many. Do we discuss inquiry from its theoretical roots, defining it by the likes of Dewey, Vygotsky, and Freire? Or do we circle around the experience of inquiry and focus on an inquiry cycle that spirals learners through a process of learning that is more empowering, agentic, and relevant? Might we also tether ourselves to specific routines, structures, and protocols that shift the dynamic of learning to be more exploratory and less explanatory (thank you Guy Claxton for this language)?

All of these pathways to discourse are fruitful, however when facing this question and underlying need for clarity I find myself most often talking about one word: curiosity.

As many of you know, recently I launched Inquiry Mindset Questions Edition in a live webinar with friend and colleague Becky Carlzon. The conversation was a lot of fun and was streamed live to X, LinkedIn, and Instagram. 100s of colleagues from around the world joined us. The recording is now posted to my Youtube channel and featured below. In our conversation I share some of the routines from the book and guide viewers through the foundational moves needed to nurture question competence. Have a watch below!

This is exciting news! Dear friend and colleague Becky Carlzon is hosting me for a book launch webinar to help celebrate the release of Inquiry Mindset Questions Edition! If you'd like to know the date and time we'll be showing up so you can join in with questions, wonderings and take aways, sign up below and we'll reveal the exact time and date 24 hours before the broadcast.

Recently I was hosted by colleague Cindy Blackburn from the Toddle School Leaders Project to discuss my new book Inquiry Mindset Questions Edition. We explore the origins of the ten high-impact Question Routines in the book. If you have the time, give it a watch below!

Questions are synonymous with inquiry. They can launch and frame learning and provide opportunities to plan and clarify next steps. They can invite students into their schooling experience and help share the landscape of learning with one another and with their teacher. Questions can deepen inquiry to move beyond the superficial and towards the meaningful, the impactful, and the transformational. However all too often a focus on the depth and sophistication of questions in the inquiry classroom is overlooked.

Our second edition was recently hosted by Bangkok Patana School. Kath and I were joined by colleagues Anne van Dam and Sara K Ahmed to provide four voices for KOI Bangkok and it was a glowing success. You can read all about KOI Bangkok here. We are currently planning two KOI events for 2025 so stay tuned!

This is exciting news! My fourth publication is currently in editing and due to be released in just a few short months. This project has been years in the making and I cannot wait to share it with you all!

The book is titled Inquiry Mindset Questions Edition and helps teachers harness, sort and organize, and leverage student generated questions to help shape and guide learning.

Recently I was hosted by colleagues Kaity and Adriane with KindlED Powered by Prenda on their podcast/webinar series to discuss the importance of relationship and curiosity in education, as well as the value of inquiry-led learning. Throughout the episode, we explored how nurturing inquisitiveness can lead to outstanding academic results and enhance students' well-being.

“A three-day conference of inspiring and interactive experiences, focused on improving inquiry practices. This is a rare East Coast opportunity to learn with globally recognized inquiry leaders Trevor MacKenzie, Jessica Vance, and Amy Chang. They will facilitate engaging in-person and state-of-the-art virtual, large and small-group experiences.”