Exploration Exploration activities surface and make explicit our prior knowledge and tacit assumptions. Exploration activities also allow us to begin to develop a common vocabulary regarding the work before us.

Exploration – What are the characteristics of quality tasks? Review the Essential Features of Classroom Inquiry Brainstorm the characteristics of quality student work. Brainstorm the characteristics of the tasks that would be likely to prompt students to produce such work.

Concept Development Concept development is intended to take our prior thinking to a new level through the introduction or refinement of fruitful concepts. When our instruction works well, the new material introduced during this phase reflects upon themes raised in the exploration phase – but we add precision, refinement, and/or focus.

Concept Development – How can we formalize our thinking about the characteristics of quality tasks? Open-Inquiry Concept Content-Rich Concept Open/Rich Grid Brainstorm lists probably has references that can be categorized under the headings of Open Inquiry and Content-rich Inquiry

Application Application phase requires that we process new concepts in more detail Must address finer points Negotiate meaning with others Adds depth to the concept

Application – How do Oregon work sample tasks compare with others’ attempts to assess students’ ability to do inquiry? NY State Tasks Oregon Work Samples Comparison/Evaluation