Inquiry+&+Research

Evaluating Web Pages

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__3 Minute Pause- summary, thoughts, questions__

Inquiry-Based Learning is a very structured process where students first ask genuine probing questions to guide their learning. Their learning is facilitated by the teacher, not handed to them. Students seek to answer their questions through individual or group research. It seems that the internet is the research mechanism they will employ, but their research might not be limited to this mechanism. They could gather personal testimony, artifacts, primary sources and a variety of secondary sources as well. The students gather and analyze their information and revisit their questions. I seemed to have missed several steps, but the ideas are in general correct according to the articles. Assessment in ongoing and also summative.

The most time-intensive aspect of inquiry is gathering sources, be it primary or secondary to guide their inquiry - with this structure, inquiry can be effective. I am correct! In its intended form, I foresee this type of learning to being challenging because my students require constant attention and constant feedback or evaluation to keep them on task, grading is the most effective, and in order for them to be motivated. Inquiry would be incredibly effective with highly motivating students. Judi, my director, would say that inquiry //is// the hook that will get them motivated. The articles state this explicitly. While I agree, I think that finding ways to evaluate students while working in groups and while I'm busy working with small groups of students is incredibly challenging, but essential. I believe we will learn strategies for this in this course.

I'd like to use one or a few of these evaluative tools throughout all inquiries. What can I co-opt that I already use that can act as this tool? Or what can I borrow from peers/internet? What is the best way to organize/structure my inquiries? How can I plan efficiently so that I can maximize my time best?