Critical Thinking Strategy- Inquiry Circles

Critical Thinking Strategy- Inquiry Circles1Corner One

Have never heard of Inquiry CirclesCorner Two

Have heard of The Inquiry Circles but have never tried it.Corner Three

Have heard of Inquiry Circles and have tried it.Corner Four

Have heard and used the Inquiry Circles but looking for other ideas.Now, that you are all settled, Im going to ask you to go to one of the following corners based on the descriptors.

Once you are in your group, we will do the next activity- the four Ps.2PersonPlacePositionPassionHow and where might you like to try using Inquiry Circles?Four Ps ActivityThis helps us to get to know each other, When we introduce or talk on behalf of someone else, often the fear goes away as well and takes pressures off. Can use in any situation.4

Every curriculum we have now has the element of Inquiry in it. We need to find a way to address this and make it part of what we do and what our students experience, how our students experience learning. In which curriculum is Inquiry actually taught as a process? The skills needed for Inquiry are addressed in the ELA curriculum - each grade level has an inquiry outcome or indicator and they progress as the years do. (handout shows a sample of this) So if students happen to miss this, start from where they are. It is always best to not assume that they understand inquiry.5Inquiry in the Past

Inquiry of TodayTurn and talk about what you see as difference; share one key idea with another elbow partner6So Why Inquiry Circles?

The more kids learn, the more they wonderHuman graph- line up in area that shows familiarity with inquiry circles---

. its those questions that propel learners on that get them excited and engaged in the world around them. This works both when kids peruse their own questions and when they investigate topics from the required curriculum.

7What do these small-group inquiries look like?

Think of literature circles- but instead of books, its a topic or question to explore.

Picture this:

When comprehension, collaboration and research interest, inquiry circles take root and grow our kid's learning and understanding.

Tell them at- Picture this.

teachers teaching comprehension strategies and kids making connections, asking questions, and synthesizing information.teachers model social skills and kids planning interviews, asking follow-up questions, and making decisions about what to investigateImagine teacher demonstrations of research techniques and kids meeting together to pursue answers to their questions and take action

8Principles of Inquiry CirclesChoice topics based on genuine student curiosity, questions, interestsDig deep into complex, authentic topicsFlexible grouping, small teams, task forceStudent responsibility and peer leadershipUse of proficient-reader/thinker/researcher strategiesDraw upon multiple, multi-genre and multimedia sourcesBeyond fact finding to synthesize and build and acquire knowledgeActively use knowledge in schools and communities: sharing, publication, products or taking actionMatching to Outcomes

9Formula for Group Work

ExpectationsNormsLeadershipFriendshipCommunicationConflict

10Predictable Problems

Kids who dislike group workOff-task behaviour

Behavior Concerns:EngagementTraining

Kids working aloneKids who resist

11How do you act, behave when you first get put into a group to work on a project?

Task work( the creating, investigating)

Maintenance(social lubrication)

12Preparing Your Active Learning Classroom

Set up an engaging environmentGather great texts and resourcesHone our teaching languageProvide for rich interactionUse differentiateTeach with the big ideas in mindPromote authenticity and relevanceThink about purposeFoster passion, curiosity and funHelp kids take action

Use leave tracks of thinking strategy- in envelop are sections of an article to read; read section of article; apply the L learned something new- 13

14Inquiry Circle JobsTitleTasksWord HunterFinds key words and definitionsEvaluationEvaluates the sourceMessengerSummarizes big ideas and main pointsQuiz KidsRaises questionsConnectorMakes connections between self, texts, and the worldNote TakerTakes specific notes on contentImage MakerCreates a visual scheme of the ideas (flow chart, graphic organizer, drawing)InterpreterAsks, What does it mean? and Why is it important?Share one of the Scholastic kits- choose an article and then a role and apply to the situation15The Gradual Release of Responsibility has different stages

Teacher Modeling: Teacher explains and models a new strategy, thinking aloud in order to demonstrate their thought-process behind the strategy use.

Guided Practice: Teacher and students practice the strategy together in shared contexts, constructing meaning through interchange; students gradually take more responsibility for task engagement and completion.

Collaborative Practice: Students share thinking process with one another or work in small groups and pairs and reason through text together; the teacher moves between groups, checking in on how things are going.

Independent Practice: Students practice using the strategy independently of teacher and other students; students receive regular feedback on their progress.

Application of Strategy: Students use the strategy in authentic situations, across a variety of settings, contexts, and disciplines.

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Classroom examples this particular one is put up for each group17

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Linked to SSLA- show all the Mystery skype and inquiry lessons

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Linked to Saskatoon Public Schools- teacher librarians21Discovery BoxShare the Electricity Discovery Box and handout, refer to.

22Writing CirclesThis strategy follows the same process of inquiry circles, lit circles. A name for the writing circle is developed. And a topic is chosen. Many ways to set this up. The students use the topic but can use any format or genre. (poem, letter, blog, paragraph, blog,) and approach, stance, spefic subject mateer, suThat suits them best. For example- school lunchesWriting circle minilessons may be for the whole class of for one group at a time depending on what is observed or wondered about. May be management or particular writing style, genre, etc. Students help each other as editors, illustrators, reviewers, agents. Reflection of the writing circle is important as well. This fosters growth. The process of how to give feedback needs to be established, and guided as in any situation.

23PWIMSRAN ChartWonder WallBrief discussion of these tools24Reflection Time:Heres What, So What, Now What?25