Principles of Inquiry-Based Learning

The Eight Principles of Inquiry-Based learning consist of:

1. Authenticity

2. Deep Understanding

3. Assessment

4. Appropriate Use of Technology

5. Student Success

6. Connecting with Experts

7. Performance of Understanding

8. Ethical Citizenship

In my mini-lessons, I will apply Principle #4 Appropriate Use of Technology by having them collaborate with each other, communicate their understanding using different Web 2.0 tools for representations and research using online databases. The use of technology will be engaging as a means of motivating my students for inquiry in their learning process. Technology will enhance my students' understanding of the concepts in the mini-lessons by allowing them to use various resources that will be acceptable for their learning level. The extension that technology brings will give my students more time outside of the classroom to continue to focus on understanding the concepts and will broaden their knowledge which in turn fosters their experience in becoming life long learners.

Keren-Kolb, L. (2013, May)Engage,Enhance, and Extend Learning!. Retrieved from

        https://eric.ed.gov/

       q=Technology%2Bfor%2Bteaching%2Blanguage&ff1=subLanguage%2BArts&id=EJ1015177  

Learning Goals Reflection

As I reflect over my goals that I have set for this class, I feel that there is not a need to modify them. Reason being is that I am making progress but my goals are limitless. I set my goals knowing that I wanted them not to have an ending destination but a continuous journey in my career of education.

Carol Dweck stated, "Individuals with a growth mindset believe that they can develop their intelligence over time" (Dweck 2010). By her statement, that means that I have a growth mindset. While reading the article I thought about myself as well as my students. I persevere through problems that are challenging as well as some of my students. On the other hand, I have some that get frustrated when they don't understand concepts and become discouraged eventually giving up. By them giving up they will go to a math site to look for the answer, the easy way out, rather than seeing it through.

I know that I have a growth mindset toward information fluency skills because I want to continue to learn more about them. I need to learn how to choose the best creditable resource for searches so that I can share this skill with students and colleagues.



Dweck (2010). Giving Students Meaningful Work-Even Geniuses Work Hard. Retrieved May 30, 2017, from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept10/vol68/num01/Even-Geniuses-Work-Hard.aspx

Letting Go

Inquiry is defined as "a seeking or request for truth, information, or knowledge" (Dictionary.com). In today's classroom, inquiry is needed for students to take ownership of the learning process. Chris Lehman states that it allows intellectual play (Lehman's webinar: Inquiry - the very first step in learning). We, as teachers, should allow this type of play that gives way to exploration and not just "sit and get". Incorporating technology daily, in the classroom, fosters play and learning that meets the needs of all learners. Technology is used by all human beings so therefore its natural to use to keep students engaged.
The classroom, in the past, has been where the students are all taught the same step-by-step process of achieving a goal which does not give the opportunity of "constructive struggle". In order to let go we need to allow our students to struggle constructively which, in turn, gives way for inquiry. This leads to transfer. Transfer means that "a learner can draw upon and apply all of what was learned" (Wiggins, Great Teaching Means Letting Go).

Reflective Searching

After viewing the resource on the characteristics of digital information seeking behavior in virtual libraries, I identified most with being a horizontal information seeker than the others.With information being so plentiful I take the approach of typing specific words when searching for material. If I don't quite find what I need, then I use "*" with the specific words in the search bar.

Google Generation...we all are a part of that because we all use the internet! We range from beginners to distinguished on how to use the world wide web. I have a commonality with the typical teen when surfing the internet and that is I use Google as my search engine 100% of the time when doing research. I do this because of convenience which in turn creates filter bubbles based upon my search history and browsing history. The filter bubbles can be avoided by using different search engines and clearing my search history.

Information fluency

On a daily basis information is given and received many ways. We all have our own way, that suites us, to share and store information. So e text, take notes, use the Internet (i.e. Facebook, blogs, Twitter, etc.). Which ever way that we choose to receive it, its unique to u .

Some are not as digitally literate as others, so we go at our own pace.

The video\articles that were seen and read all have a common thread, information! That commonality is very plentiful and has to be stored.

The resources gave clarity to me about digital fluency. Digital literacy is knowing what to do but digital fluency is using technology to do differently what you've been doing. This clarity will help me to reach my learning goals for this class.

Learning goals

By the end of this class, I would like to have acquired knowledge and use of tools to use within my classroom to engage my students daily through technology. Also, to share my knowledge and level of expertise with fellow educators.