Inquiry-based learning is a type of learning that stokes the intellectual curiosity within the students. It allows students to learn about a topic authentically with a deep understanding of what they are learning. Technology is integrated to allow students to control what they learn, how they learn it and allows opportunities that would not be present without the use of technology. The teacher acts as a facilitator to ensure that students are learning the material and to help ensure student success.
Mini-Lesson
Authentic Learning
In 7th grade social studies, we learn about Africa's geography and environmental factors that lead to them having a water shortage. Through the course of a mini-lesson, I would like students to brainstorm and try to find ways that would help Africa with their water shortage issue.
Deep Understanding
Students have preconceived notions about what the geography of Africa is like. Their initial thoughts are that all of Africa is a desert or that it is all grasslands where lions, elephants and other animals roam. I want my students to understand that Africa is a very diverse continent with varying ecosystems.
The Importance of Assessment
I plan to use a variety of assessments through the course of the mini-lessons from Quizziz to blogging.
Technology
Students will be using technology to blog about what they are learning, read the blog post of others and reach out to experts in the field. This will allow students, as Langwitch stated in her blog "Get Over It", the opportunity to "collaborate across time and space". It will also enable students to extended their learning outside of the school building as stated by Keren-Kolb in her "Engage, Enhance, Extend" article..
Performances of Understanding
Students will be able to select their blog topics and have them made public on their blog. Students will offer advice to other students and comment on their work.
Connecting with Experts
Students will be able to view work from experts on this subject. They will also be given the opportunity to reach out to experts in the field through the course of the mini-lessons.
Learner Success
Students will have the learning chunked into manageable parts. Students will be given feedback about their work through the course of the mini-lessons. Students will be able to choose how they use technology in order to show their learning.
I think the hardest part of an inquiry based lesson is that the teacher plays an inactive roll. I was trained to give information to students, but now I have adapted to letting students discover information through inquiry. I must say that it's pretty awesome to see students discover and learn through inquiry!
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with Julie. It is so hard to step aside and play that inactive roll. Nate I love the idea of incorporating blogging into your inquiry lesson. This gives the students the opportunity to participate in an inquiry lesson, but also use their technology to write their thoughts and comment on other students thoughts. In the Langwitches article it states, "You need to EXPERIENCE through technology in order to see HOW you can translate that into your teaching!". I feel like we are experiencing new things in our classes that are helping us learn how to translate these things into our teaching.
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of providing students with assignments in chunks, rather than all at once. As an adult, I even get overwhelmed when I look at the syllabus at the beginning of each semester and see how much work I have to do.
ReplyDeleteI also like your idea of implementing the usage of blogs throughout your mini-lessons. This is a great (and engaging) way for your students to provide feedback to each other.
Your mini lessons are very well thought out and I know that planning and executing are the hardest part of teaching. Explicit instructions and clear expectations will make it easier for the students to work independently and achieve success.
ReplyDelete