For this post, I am responding to a discussion based around the issues and barriers TLs face when teaching from an Inquiry based model.

The notion of issues and barriers that stand in the way of inquiry learning has been at the forefront of my mind since starting these modules this semester.

Background information: I work currently as a TL in a school which prides itself on our ability to implement evidence-based, direct instruction teaching strategies. As a result, there is very little wiggle room for both CTs and the TL to implement inquiry models for teaching, as this is frowned upon. All teaching must be through direct instruction.

What issues might stand in the way of IL?

– A school’s culture and evidence base, as is the case of myself in the TL role.

– Teacher professional learning.

– Teacher confidence

– Access to resources

– Teacher knowledge and understanding of curriculum and pedagogy

– Conflicting philosophies of teaching

What issues might stand in the way of collaboration between CTs and TLs?

– School culture

– Timetabling

– Funding

– Teacher professional learning