EDIM 513 Blog

     When I reflect upon how my thoughts about inquiry based learning have changed over the past few weeks a few main components come to mind. The first is that there is a difference between facts and concepts and both are important when developing an inquiry based learning lesson. The second is that one is able to change non-investigable questions to investigable questions. And the last is that there are many web 2.0 and technology tools that can be used to enhance students engagement in inquiry based learning lessons.       Facts are isolated pieces of information that are detailed. Concepts are broad connects between two pieces of information. In order for students to fully grasp the understanding of concepts to its full extent, students must first understand that facts.         When creating an inquiry based learning environment it is important to keep in mind that facts are the basis of all concepts. It is important that as...

     When I first considered inquiry in the beginning of this class, I had only thought of it on a superficial level. I thought that inquiry was asking questions. I did not dig any deeper than that. Through the first three weeks of class, I was able to develop a deeper and more well rounded understanding and appreciation of inquiry.       I have come to realize the importance of creating a classroom community. Without a safe and structured learning environment, students will not feel comfortable taking risks and asking questions. Before any type of inquiry learning can take place, students must feel as though they are able to ask and answer questions without being judged.       There are different type of inquiry. Student based, teacher-student shared and student based. When I reflect on the types of inquiry, I realize that in my classroom, I use teacher based inquiry the most often. I ask the questions that are based on a unit that...