Learning Through Structured Inquiry

What is Structured Inquiry? Structured inquiry is a method of learning which contrasts direct instruction and serves to have students as leaders of their own instructional process with the teacher as a guide. In short: students teach themselves and teachers make sure they do it right.

The Structured Inquiry Process Pre-Research and Developing Questions Planning the Inquiry Obtaining Evidence (Research) Showing Understanding Through Seminar

Social Studies Disciplinary Framework Civics Economics Geography History Sociology Civic and Political Institutions Economic Decision Making Geographic Representations: Spatial Views of the World Change, Continuity, and Context Social Stratification Processes, Policy, Laws Exchange and Markets Human-Environment Interaction: Place, Regions, and Culture Perspectives Culture, Language, Religion Types of Governments The National Economy Human Population: Spatial Patterns and Movements Historical Sources and Evidence Education System Political Participation The Global Economy Global Interconnections: Changing Spatial Patterns Causation and Argumentation Technology

Step 1: Pre-Research and Developing Questions For each teacher provided sub-topic, groups must come up with at least 2 questions related to each social studies discipline. All questions must be approved by teacher before beginning research. For example: Topic: Impact of westward expansion on Native Americans. Sub-Topic: Physical conflicts between Native Americans and settlers. Economics: How did economic decision making play a role in the violent conflicts between Native Americans and western settlers? Civics: How did government policy effect the violent conflicts between Native Americans and western settlers? Geography: Were the violent conflicts between Native Americans and settlers a byproduct of different cultures, especially with relation to differing human-environment interactions between Native Americans and western settlers? History: What were the perspectives of the Native Americans towards white settlers and vice versa? Sociology: How did the culture, religion, and language effect the violent conflicts between the Native Americans and the western settlers. How did technology effect the conflicts?

What is Pre-Research? Sometimes in order to develop sophisticated inquiry questions you need to have at least a basic understanding of the topic. Look-up any words, event, or people you are unfamiliar with and provide a basic summary or definition. Then use Bloom’s taxonomy and the social studies disciplinary framework to develop sophisticated inquiry questions that will guide your research.

Step 2: Planning the Inquiry Groups need to decide: Who will answer each question? How will the group communicate with each other away from school and share information? What will the process be for dealing with a slacker? How will group members make sure everyone in the group fully comprehends the information? If there is choice on how presentation format: how will the group present its information? How will the group check for understanding and make sure their audience is understanding the information? How will the group apply the information to the modern world? (may not be able to answer until after research)

Step 3: Obtaining Evidence (Research) Each answer to each question must be substantiated thoroughly. Each question must be supported by at least 2 primary sources (may be more or less at teacher discretion). For the entire inquiry you must use at least 5 different secondary sources. All evidence must be properly sourced.

Step 4: Showing Understanding Through Seminar At the beginning of the inquiry you will present to me your list of questions and which group members will be researching each question. On the day of the seminar I will ask one group member at a time each of your questions. I will not ask you the question you researched or tell you ahead which question I will ask you. Each student will be allowed to bring in any primary source material, and up to one page (front and back) of handwritten notes. You will be graded on your answer (see rubric).