in the PYP Iman Mashaal

Inquiry

What is Inquiry-based learning? Inquiry-based learning is a process where students are involved in their learning, formulate questions, investigate widely and then build new understandings, meanings and knowledge. (IBO)

IBO Mission Statement The IBO aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. Inquiring – the first attribute to be mentioned

IB Position on Learning through Inquiry Making the PYP Happen The PYP is committed to ‘structured, purposeful inquiry that engages students actively in their own learning’ (IBO 2007, p. 29) The starting point is students’ current understanding , and the goal is the active construction of meaning and building connections between that understanding and new information and experience, derived from the inquiry into new content concepts, skills and attitudes (IBO 2007, p. 29) Inquiry, interpreted in the broadest sense, is the process initiated by the students or the teacher that moves the students from their current level of understanding to a new and deeper level of understanding (IBO, 2007, p. 29).

IB Learner Profiles What comes first? Inquirers - They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives. Knowledgeable Thinkers Communicators Principled Open-minded Caring Risk-takers Balanced Reflective Inquirers comes first on the list The learner profile provides a long-term vision of education. It is a set of ideals that can inspire, motivate and focus the work of schools and teachers, uniting them in a common purpose.

The Role of the Teacher in an Inquiry Classroom Listening Participating Articulating children’s implied connections Inviting children to elaborate Scaffolding Provoking Recording Guiding Negotiating power To facilitate / guide inquiry…

Language of Inquiry What do you think In what ways do you know… There’s a part I want to ask about I’m trying to figure out… I wonder why… Well, maybe.. I think that… I noticed… This is what I don’t get… It makes sense that… I thought I was… Help me understand… Tell me more… I wonder if…

Inquiry in the Classroom Let’s take a peek into an inquiring classroom: https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/pre-k-science-lesson

What supports inquiry? The IB curriculum is concept driven Concepts: Form Function Causation Connection Perspective Change Reflection Responsibility

Sample Unit of Inquiry Transdisciplinary theme Concepts (The concepts drive the inquiry) Concept Questions What can we do to have a healthy lifestyle? (Reflection) What might happen as a result of our choices? (Causation)  

Inquiry about healthy choices Activity Inquiry about healthy choices

What does inquiry look like in the PYP? Exploring, wondering, questioning Making the PYP Happen The PYP is committed to ‘structured, purposeful inquiry that engages students actively in their own learning’ (IBO 2007, p. 29) The starting point is students’ current understanding , and the goal is the active construction of meaning and building connections between that understanding and new information and experience, derived from the inquiry into new content concepts, skills and attitudes (IBO 2007, p. 29) Inquiry, interpreted in the broadest sense, is the process initiated by the students or the teacher that moves the students from their current level of understanding to a new and deeper level of understanding (IBO, 2007, p. 29). Inquiry is not only questions. It is a process that involves provocation, reflection and consolidation.

Experimenting and playing with possibilities Inquiry is Experimenting and playing with possibilities

Inquiry is Making connections between previous and current learning

Making predictions and acting purposefully to see what happens Inquiry is Making predictions and acting purposefully to see what happens

Collecting data and reporting findings Inquiry is Collecting data and reporting findings

Making and testing theories Inquiry is Making and testing theories

Clarifying existing ideas Inquiry is Clarifying existing ideas

Solving problems in a variety of ways Inquiry is Solving problems in a variety of ways

Researching and seeking information Inquiry is Researching and seeking information

Deepening understanding Inquiry is Deepening understanding

Curriculum – Inquiry Cycle What do we want to learn? Written Taught - inquiry Assessed Who we are—an inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human. Where we are in place and time—an inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationship between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives. How we express ourselves—an inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic. How the world works—an inquiry into the natural world and its laws, the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment. How we organize ourselves—an inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment. Sharing the planet—an inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; communities and the relationship within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.  

Questions How do you feel about the inquiry-based approach to learning?

References IB Primary Years Program Booklet http://pypinquiry.wikispaces.com/file/view/Supplementary+Workbook+-+3S,+Inquiry+in+the+PYP+-+Babin+%26+Rhoads.pdf IBO, (2012). Making the PYP Happen.