How to Build a Culture of Inquiry in your Classroom...: Models of Inquiry

Model #1:

Focus on Inquiry: A Teacher's Guide to Implementing Inquiry-based Learning.

Alberta Learning (2004). Focus on inquiry: a teacher's guide to implementing inquiry-based learning. Alberta: Author.

http://education.alberta.ca/media/313361/focusoninquiry.pdf

The inquiry model diagram offered by Alberta Learning (p.10/ch.2) with various puzzle pieces fitting intricately together with ‘reflection’ at the centre of the puzzle shows that at the heart of this model is the process of reflection, which is central to individuals’ metacognitive processes of learning. Having reflection at the heart, or as the hub of the inquiry process, shows the importance of this activity to all stages of the process and how one might get from one stage to the next via ‘reflection’. As educators are striving to develop critical thinking in students, reflection needs to be a key part in the process.

(p.10 / Chapter 2)

Focus on Inquiry: A Teacher's Guide to Implementing Inquiry-based Learning

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Model #2:

The Points of Inquiry

Developed by the BCTLA

Ekdahl, M., Farquharson, M., J. Robinson, J., & Turner, L. (2010). The Points of inquiry: A framework for information literacy and the 21st century learner. Vancouver, BC: British Columbia Teacher-Librarians’ Association.

http://bctf.ca/bctla/pub/documents/Points%20of%20Inquiry/PointsofInquiry.pdf

The purpose of the document was to provide the framework for teacher-librarians to make the smooth transition from resource facilitators to 21^st century educators who teach information literacy. The document provides the framework to assist librarian’s work collaboratively with other educational team members to ensure students develop the critical thinking skills needed to work and become lifelong learners. In today’s information driven society it is crucial that students learn to develop the skills needed to work in a collaborative environment. In addition, the learners need to ensure that they become discerning to ensure the validity and integrity of the information that they obtain and use for educational purposes.