In my classroom we utilize inquiry based learning throughout the subject areas. Through IBL I encourage my students to ask and create questions on their own. Starting at the beginning of the year, my assistant and I work together to teach them to research and explore the classroom and outside sources to answer questions they have and would like to know the answers to. In the beginning we provide a lot of assistance to the students and slowly back off has they become familiar with the classroom and school setting. I also help my students make connections to their learning through investigations. These connections help to students to justify their answers to the questions presented.
I find that students of today have such a knowledge of technology that is often hard to keep their focus unless technology is involved. However, using IBL in the class the students are always excited about what we are learning and eager to know what the "plan" for the day is. Letting the students lead their own learning provides them with the opportunity to discover, explore, and research beyond a text book. My kindergarten students are little sponges that love to soak up the knowledge they discover.
It is amazing how many questions, and really good questions too, that kindergarten kids will come up with! I agree that IBL provides them with lots of great opportunities!
ReplyDeleteHi Tori,
ReplyDeleteI have loved watching you implement inquiry based learning through integration ever since I had the opportunity to observe you during your second of teaching and you taught moon phases through a great shared reading that helped students gain background knowledge and excitement about the unit topic. Since then I have watched you expand and integrate inquiry into book making, into math, and into your content area units. It definitely promotes student engagement!