EDIM 513 Inquiry Based Learning

  Inquiry based learning was honestly a term I never really thought about in my past teaching experience. I think I was using the idea of inquiry based learning but never really thought about it. As a science/social studies teacher I am excited to now incorporate inquiry based learning opportunities through the use of Web 2.0 tools. While in my current course through Wilkes University I have been able to actively engage in discussions with my peers that have given me ample opportunities to explore new ways to educate my students. Through a colleague I learned about Do Ink. Do Ink is a fun, creative way to make animations on your iPad. The app was designed to be easy for beginners and young animators, but with powerful tools for creating advanced animations. Use the drawing editor to create vector artwork and frame-by-frame (flip book) animations. This idea is so fun and screams INQUIRY BASED LEARNING! Students have the opportunity to just run with it and create a piece that speaks ...

What caught my attention during this week's readings and assignments is that inquiry can take on a variety of forms in the classroom and that there is no ONE right way to teach inquiry. I like that the reading referred to it as a "fluid continuum." Approaching inquiry based learning with the approach that you can fluidly slide from one spot to another is a helpful approach. As long as the chosen approach corresponds with your learning objects and student's needs, that's what's important. I also really liked the characteristics of each type of inquiry in relation to teacher, student and teacher-student directed inquiry. It was nicely outlined and made me really understand what each approach looks like in the classroom. 

  Inquiry Based Learning is a change that all classrooms need to move towards. As long as the educator can feel comfortable releasing the students and allowing them to discover on their own, students will benefit. I find it quite interesting that some teachers still teach in the traditional manner. As technology advances in the classroom educators need to adapt and become fresh. Old ways will not continue to work with modern day students. After reading over the content this week, I have a deeper understanding that the teacher must encourage students to reflect on their understanding of certain concepts so they can take ownership of their learning. I don't have any "burning questions," at this time, but looking forward in advancing through this course and learning new inquiry based methods to incorporate into instruction.