Inquiry Myth #4 - Inquiry is a "Hot Mess Express!"

Inquiry Myth #4 - Inquiry is a "Hot Mess Express!"

My co-author of Inquiry Mindset, the amazing Rebecca Bathurst-Hunt, always draws a smile to my face when she speaks about inquiry and how, with kindergarten students, it can be a “hot mess express”. I imagine a steam train plunging down a railway with dust and debris bellowing from its windows leaving a wake of destruction in its path. And although this may occur from time to time it is certainly not the norm. Inquiry isn’t messy nor is it out of control. Inquiry teachers strike a balance between letting experiences unfold and mindfully reining things in so it’s not a “hot mess express.”

Inquiry Myth #3 - Without Limits or Parameters

Inquiry Myth #3 - Without Limits or Parameters

One of the talents of the inquiry teacher is their ability to provide voice and choice while simultaneously teaching to their curriculum and mandated learning objectives. They accomplish this by framing lessons and units of study with access points for all learners. These access points are more than differentiating learning. These access points connect to each students’ wonder and curiosity and provide a start point into learning that is highly relevant. It’s in this relevance that inquiry thrives.

How do you strike a balance between student wonder and your curriculum?

Inquiry Myth #2 - Inquiry is "lazy teaching"

Inquiry Myth #2 - Inquiry is "lazy teaching"

I propose teachers take on an active role in releasing control over learning to the student. Inquiry teachers are highly active in the classroom in that they take on different roles at different times for different reasons. At times they lecture or teach to all. At times they facilitate group and cooperative learning structures. At times they support individual students on a more personalized level as they shift, pivot, and respond to the needs of each student they work with.

Inquiry is not laid back nor is it lazy.

Inquiry Myth #1 - Unlimited Choice for Students

Inquiry Myth #1 - Unlimited Choice for Students

When I speak to “person and purpose” I draw attention to how we consider the students we are working with (and for!) and take into consideration their questions, wonders, interests, goals, and passions. I ask you to consider how you can get to know your students to this extent and how you can connect these highly important details to your curriculum. I propose that our students’ questions, wonders, interests, goals, and passions have deep and authentic ties to our curriculum and perhaps if we all see our curriculum as something with some flex, as something we can reshape a bit, then we’ll have more success supporting our students in inquiry.

Classroom 2.0 LIVE Webinar

Watch this webinar with the good folks at Classroom 2.0 LIVE all about Dive into Inquiry and how we can intentionally support our students in a more personalized learning environment.  And check out the amazing curation of resources connected to my work they put together.  Wow!

We don't throw the baby out with the bathwater my friends.  We mindfully strike a balance of control over learning with our students at the heart of the decisions we make.

Amazing Things Happening in Glenview D34!

Sometimes the most magical learning and authentic friendships can appear out of a single tweet. In fact, you’d be surprised how often this tends to happen. A few retweets between likeminded educators, add in a couple comments on one another’s tweets, sprinkle in a couple of DMs, and POOF, an inspiring partnership is planned!

Case in point my experience with Matt Silverman, Assistant Superitnedent for Curriculum of Glenview D34 in Illinois just north of Chicago.

Our interactions on twitter led to us planning a day of learning with teachers, librarians, instructional coaches, and administrators from his district. From the moment I stepped out of my Uber in the parking lot to the post-learning social he planned for attendees I was greeted with unparalleled kindness. The energy from the group was a joy to witness as we unpacked inquiry together.

Thank you to Matt, Adrienne, Sam, and Barrie (and everyone for that matter!) for welcoming into your district and treating me like family. Your kindness will not be forgotten!

Find them at #WeAreD34

MindShift Guest Post: How To Ease Students Into Independent Inquiry Projects

Have a read of our recent MindShift guest post where we share the power of inquiry and personalized learning.

"When I (Trevor) first adopted an inquiry approach in my classroom, I discovered that when students explore a topic they are truly passionate about, amazing things happen: engagement increases, attendance and work ethic improve, twenty-first-century skills are acquired, classroom energy and collaboration are fostered, and my assessment of student understanding becomes more clear and accurate.

One early experience with a student in inquiry convinced me I was on to something. His name was Chris."

 

5 Ideas To Bring The Inquiry Mindset To Your Classroom Today - Podcast with Vicki Davis

I was thrilled to be a guest on Vicki Davis's (aka The CoolCat Teacher) podcast to share 5 ways to bring the inquiry mindset to your classroom.  It's a high energy and fast paced show where our love for teaching shines through - big time!

Here are the 5 big ideas from the podcast:

Idea #1 Ask students what their curiosities and interests and passions are

Idea #2 Bring in provocations

Idea #4: Model your own passions, interests, and curiosities

Idea #4: Bring in a real world problem or challenge

Idea #5: Use the power of the PLN

Inquiry Mindset: Flipgrid Short Shorts Film Festival

Recently I provided the mic drop closing message to Flipgrid’s 1st annual Short Shorts Film Festival, a Facebook LIVE event that featured inspiring video from 10 edu rockstars! The series of short yet incredibly powerful ignite-style keynotes was a highlight for me!

Check my video below, the entire series here and each individual mic drop here.

Huge shout out to Adam Short Shorts and the Flipgrid crew for putting on this amazing event!

And to all the other speakers, a huge thank you: Kathi, Bonnie, Martin, Priscilla, Amy, Natasha, Todd, Kim, Michael, and Karie