When reading about the topic of Inquiry Learning my thoughts were this sounds great, we should be doing more of this, but they then turned to but how can we focus this in the lower primary area. Upon further reflection I realised we do use this approach in lower primary once a year, but it is still very structured, where we teach the content and then allow the students to research. 

It is a hard topic to fully incorporate into all aspects of teaching because there is still some relevance in teaching and then expecting students to complete a test. This test can then be used as our own evidence to ensure we are completing the standards but also to show to parents what their child has achieved and how they are progressing. Our expectations and time is also another factor that stands in the way of inquiry learning. We don’t have the time to allow this all the time. And what about the students that require our help or guidance and may just ride on the coattails of other students because they really aren’t sure of what they need to be completing. Or is this idea just my picture of needing to be in control? 

Time is a big issue that stands in the way of teachers and teacher librarians being able to collaborate. Our afternoons are taken up with meetings and paperwork and marking and preparing for the next day that we aren’t able to meet and plan units for inquiry learning. Is one Teacher Librarian working in a P-12 school being stretched too thin to be expected to work with all years levels to undertake this process as well? 

It is an interesting topic that challenges me to do further research and collaborate with the other teachers in the team to see where else we could possibly incorporate inquiry learning into our current curriculum.