Inquiry

=Inquiry=

The inquiry approach to learning has the student at the centre. Prior knowledge, interest and backgrounds are considered and student inquiry is the basis for planning, implementing and assessing learning. I studied the inquiry model during my graduate diploma and have seen many schools who use the planning documents and ideas associated with Dr Jeni Wilson's approach to inquiry learning. Sunshine PS through their work with Dr Jeni Wilson have a whole school approach to inquiry with students and staff gaining skills, knowledge and independence through this effective model of teaching and learning. It has been a steep learning curve for me this year and through planning, delivering and reflecting on each of the inquiries below I feel my ability to create meaningful, deep learning experiences has increased significantly.

Term 1: What makes an ethical decision? This inquiry focussed on the idea of ethical decision making and the impact our decisions have on us personally, locally and globally. It was a great inquiry for first term as it involved a lot of team work and reflection on the effects of our actions and decision making.

Term 2: Rocks in ya' head

Term 3: You've gotta fight for ya right... to have a paaaarrrrty! It was often discussed amongst our team and the leadership that it wasn't quite clear throughout this inquiry whether the students or the teachers were more engaged! The best bit about this was that our unit was about Government...the kind of unit that is greeted with groans, raised eyebrows and rolled eyes. Who knew what we were about to enter into, we certainly didn't and this inquiry was definitely the epitome of student directed learning. Check out more about it in the planner linked here or through the wiki links on my Wikis page.

Term 4: Risky business