F-10 Inquiry Skills Scope and Sequence by Karen Bonano and contributions by Lee Fitzgerald is a good guide for teachers to develop a Guided Inquiry unit of work. The guide covers the General Capabilities and the Creative and Critical Thinking areas of the Australian Curriculum and focuses on K-year 10. The document is easy to follow and lists a selection of specific tasks possible for each stage. On page 33 there is also a table to suggest technology tools for each step of the Inquiry Process. This document allows teachers an easy transition to creating a Guided Inquiry unit of work. It’s impact could be quite significant as it applies to the History/Science/Geography and Design Technologies areas which are mandatory areas for all primary school teachers. The document is based on the theory in the book called Guided Inquiry Design (2012) “The Guided Inquiry design framework offers a way of teaching many things at the same time within a meaningful and integrated context.” (p.1) This book is a ‘how to’ guide for teachers developing units of work.
My school certainly needs an IL model, particularly for our stage 3 students. We have high achieving students, many who are highly motivated and enjoy learning in an independent manner. Collaboration is an area that is spoken of as successfully implemented however the work I see produced by students in class is very often an individual product whereby the students research and answer the same questions. The individuality appears through presentation choice of the same information rather than students taking hold of their learning and directing it. Collaboration in future projects could deepen their knowledge and skills and give them more independence to direct their learning. Our community of parents however are generally highly focused on achieving good NAPLAN results, entry into local selective schools and a university education. So although an implementation of an IL model would be successful at our school, it isn’t a high priority due to success with standardised results which indicates we are performing well.
Kuhlthau, C. C., Maniotes, L. K., & Caspari, A. K. (2012). Guided inquiry design : A framework for inquiry in your school. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
Leave a Reply