Developing More Curious Minds Questioning and Inquiry Across the Curriculum Developing and teaching this class represent a real departure for me in a number of ways. One of those (going paperless) we’ll talk about in just a minute. I’d like to share some other thoughts with you. I’m not really “teaching” this class. A better description of what’s going to happen here is that I’m reaching outside my comfort zone to facilitate learning in a way not typical for me but that allows me to – no, demands that I - explore some of my own curiosities and expand my learning and thinking. I am sharing my passionate belief that we owe kids an educational experience that sparks, not kills off, their curiosity, creativity and imagination. For some kids that initial spark is small and must be nurtured, fed, and gently fueled before the flame takes hold. For others the inferno is already raging. Finally, I hope this group exploration (I purposely didn’t say “class”) offers the chance for others of like mind (that would be all of you) – explorers, risk-takers, innovators - to tap their potential energy and create classroom cultures fostering curiosity, creativity, inquisitiveness, and imagination. I invite you to come along with me on this journey as partners in learning. Contribute, question, and collaborate to fashion an experience that is meaningful for you, answers your most burning questions, and ignites your passion for more effective teaching and learning. Mary Schmidt, Gifted Education Consultant Heartland AEA 270.0405 or 800.255.0405 ext. 14375 mschmidt@aea11.k12.ia.us

Agenda Opening Web 2.0 Tools Assessing Inquisitiveness/Curiosity Wiki Diigo Google docs Assessing Inquisitiveness/Curiosity Developing an Assessment Tool Sharing Work Reflecting

Know KUD Characteristics of a culture of curiosity Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy Questioning models Ways to apply Web 2.0 tools in the classroom

Understand KUD Curiosity is an asset to be valued and nourished. Students’ natural curiosity serves as a basis for enduring learning. Building a culture of inquisitiveness is essential to student success.

Do KUD Identify your own curiosities Employ Web 2.0 tools in the pursuit of questions and answers Embed characteristics of a culture of curiosity in your classroom Remodel lesson/unit to better engage curiosity, risk-taking, and H.O.T.

Assessing Inquisitiveness What is it? What would we see, hear, and feel in a classroom? How would we know students are becoming more inquisitive? Develop a tool Examine others’ tools

Promoting Curiosity What is this teacher doing to promote curiosity in her classroom? How do children respond? How does your tool help assist in assessing the inquisitiveness of these children? (You might focus on one child.)

Sharing Your Work Form pairs or trios Share your criteria Outline your lesson Discuss remodeling Large group share of observations/learning

Resources Visit the Wiki Visit Diigo group World of Media John Barell’s Website Any other links of interest Visit Diigo group Look for any new links since your last visit Discuss with a partner any ways you have or will use these resources/tools with students

Reflecting Visit Wiki Complete Reflection