Collaborative Inquiry

Getting Started with Collaborative Inquiry - Capacity Building Series

This article provides teacher friendly information about the importance of integrating collaborative inquiry into classroom practise. It is a quick, easy read in which the information is divided into four categories: Focus, Share Learning, Explore, Analyze. In each of these area, supporting evidence is given with regards to student and teacher benefits. There are also a suggested list of 6 tips for getting started on a collaborative inquiry. I highly recommend this article.

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/inspire/research/CBS_StudentInquiry.pdf

Collaborative Inquiry Facilitator's Guide

This is a guide….so lots of reading but like any book, you may pick and choose what material is relevant to you and your learning. In the Table of Contents, you will notice there is wealth of practical teaching and learning strategies to effectively implement collaborative inquiry into classroom programming. I really appreciate the various types of questions that are listed as examples to consider when developing or working through the inquiry process. I believe askign rich questions is one of the keys that will unlock the door to deeper thinking and understanding. Take what you want from this document….it is superb!

http://misalondon.ca/PDF/collabpdfs/Collaborative_Inquiry_Guide_2011.pdf
How Rich Questions Can Elevate Student Inquiry

The article discusses the importance of asking and developing rich questions. The author explains that it only takes one rich question to “ignite interest and cultivate curiosity.” There is also a concise list of six practical ways to integrate rich questions into classroom programming which everyone can benefit from. Check it out!
http://www.weinspirefutures.com/idea-bank/how-rich-questions-can-elevate-student-inquiry
Natural Curiosity
Natural Curiosity is one of the best resources that I’ve come upon that tranfers place-based education into real, live classroom examples from a collaborative inquiry mindset. The Environmental Inquiry in Action Teacher’s Stories have a deep ring of truth about them. They capture authentic childrens’ questions and they display teachers’ genuine musings and concerns about how to create meaningful curriculum…The reader is right there is the classroom watching the learning unfold. This veracity has the potential to compel others to have the courage to also be adventurous.” - David Sobel (noted educator and author of Childhood and Nature).

This resource has been recommended to me by Learning Partners and Early Primary Teachers. I have had the opportunity to read sections of the book in PDF and try one lesson in an FDK classroom. The teacher was excited about a lesson taken directly from this resource and how well it worked to meet instructional and learning needs.
Click on the link and you will have access to a free download. Use this resource to explore, wonder, investigate and question yourself as an educator and offer your students opportunities to learn through inquiry.
http://www.naturalcuriosity.ca/pdf/NaturalCuriosityManual.pdf
http://www.naturalcuriosity.ca/pdf/CompanionGuide.pdf