INquiry Learning

Found a fantastic site QuEST written by Trevor Bond a New Zealander who created the SAUCE IL model.
Locate from http://ictnz.com/Inquiry%20Learning/inquirydefinition.htm

Bond (n.d.) defines inquiry learning as "an apporach that provides learners opportunities to develop skills  that enable them to locate, gather, analyse, critique and apply inofrmation in a wide range of contexts as they develop understanding."


I loved the fact that he acknowledges that the actual definition of "Inquiry Learning" is  difficult to pinpoint because there is a  never ending array of research studies that provide valid evidence showing factors that influence inquiry learning and therefore its definition.

Evidence of Inquiry learning  taking place include:

• Tchr direction moving towrd student driven experiences.
• Tchrs support students by scaffolding relevant skills.
• Students are actively engaged in learning experiences.
• Students are provided with opportunities to work both collaboratively and in individual contexts.
• Students share the information learned during the process RATHER than focusing on product.
• Students identidfy prior knowledge and use this as a basis for acquiring new knowledge to satisfy research needs.
• Students constantly review their learning and use these revelations to guide future planning and learning experiences.

Tchrs must recognise that students will not automatically develop HOT skills - it takes time, practice and detailed planning to expose them to opportunities that assist with this.