Inquiry Circles

Helen Dukhan and Rose SchreierDistrict 68 Library Media SpecialistsSummer 2011

Agenda Introduction What are Inquiry Circles? Why Inquiry Circles? Reading Comprehension in Inquiry Collaboration How the Inquiry Circle Model Works Mini-Inquiry Activity Management & Assessment Issues Wrap-up

Breaking it Down…

What are Inquiry Circles?

Small, flexible groups—heterogeneous, nonleveled Similar to lit circles--students choose topic or question to

explore related to curriculum (or not!) Complex or authentic topics that are meaningful Teachers model comprehension strategies & social skills Go beyond fact-finding Kids make connections, ask questions, synthesize

information, acquire knowledge Can be matched/ “backmapped” to state/district

standards Draw upon multiple, multigenre, multimedia sources

“Projects that work”—real purpose & audience Transforms classroom from lecture hall to

“researchers’ workshop” Build upon kids’ curiosity Student is knowledge creator Research can be a fun, dynamic process Research is central to making informed decisions in

daily life Frequency matters! Promotes collaboration, responsibility & strategic

thinking

Why Inquiry Circles?

Reading Comprehension Strategies

“Reading is thinking”

Summarizing

Creating Images

Synthesizing

Making ConnectionsPrior Knowledge

Inferring

Monitor Comprehension

Questioning

Comprehension Continuum

Answers Retelling Merges Thinking Acquires Actively Literal Questions with Content Knowledge Uses Knowledge

Principles of Great Readers Reading Principles: The more you read,

the better you read.

Response Principles: Learners must have opportunities to respond to their reading every day by talking, writing, and drawing about their thinking.

Instruction Principles: Readers need explicit instruction in the strategies to decode text.

Benefits of Small-Group Work

Lifelike Generates energy for

challenging work We are smarter. Diversity is an asset. Makes engaged, interactive

learning possible Allows for differentiated

instruction Employers require small-group

skills. Enhances student

achievement

Photo credit: asalleyakima.com

Collaboration & Social Strategies1. Be responsible to the group2. Listen actively3. Speak up4. Share the air and encourage others5. Support your views and findings6. Show tolerance and respect7. Reflect and correct

2010-2011 NBA Standings

2010-2011 NBA Standings

Creating Group Ground Rules How will your team work together? How will you solve any problems that arise? Have kids brainstorm 8-12 suggestions & list

them on a chart:“Do what you promise” “Bring all materials”“Join in the discussions” “Help others in the group”

Allow students to select which ground they want

to adopt for their group, and list them on a chart or form

Students should consider how they will handle a non-cooperative member

Approve each group’s final selection.

Types of Inquiries Mini Inquiry: short term, lets students search for

information relatively quickly

Curricular Inquiry: content and concepts determined by state standards, district curriculum or teacher planning

Open Inquiry: “kid-driven” inquiry

Literature Circle Inquiry: small, peer-led reading discussion groups

Small-Group Inquiry ModelStage: 1Immerse

Invite curiosity, build background, find topics, and wonder

Stage: 2Investigate

Develop questions, search for information and discover answers

Stage: 3Coalesce

Intensify research, synthesize information, and build knowledge

Stage: 4Go Public

Share learning, demonstrate understanding, take action

The Teacher’s Role in Inquiry Models own inquiry process Keeps research notebook Encourages authentic questions Exemplifies and celebrates curiosity—the heart of inquiry-

based learning Shares examples of how inquiry happens in the real world Assists students in locating, organizing and using resources Connects curriculum to group inquiry whenever possible Monitors, meets, confers, observes, responds, assesses Formative, ongoing assessment Supports kids in taking action beyond the classroom Not a time to grade papers!

Research Notebooks “Wonder Books”

Spiral notebooks with inside pockets Inside pockets help store “collectibles”: articles,

photos, maps, charts, etc. Stores research Formative assessment--building portfolio Model your own research notebook: use it to

organize your thoughts/questions/findings, frequently review its contents, etc.

Notebook also contains a “wonder list”

Librarian’s Role in Inquiry Circles:How We Can Help You!

Display an array of sources for students Can begin with print materials: show visual and text

features (charts, graphs, maps, photos, etc.) Proceed to Internet resources, blogs and web pages Videos are excellent resources Discuss helpfulness of index & table of contents Guided practice: How to determine appropriateness

of source(s), “printer flu” , internet safety Can help pre-select resources for younger grades Be ready to confer and assist individuals and groups

Text Codes

For something knownL For new learning? For a question?? For confusion

For important information ! For exciting or surprising informationR For a connection (Reminds me…)

A mosquito (say: mus-kee-toe) is an insect that is found all over the world. There are thousands of different kinds of mosquitoes in many different sizes and colors.The female mosquito needs blood from vertebrates (animals that have a spine) to lay eggs and produce more mosquitoes. She has a special part of her mouth that she uses to suck blood, and her saliva (spit) thins the blood so she can drink it. In fact, it's the mosquito's saliva that makes the bites itch! www.kidshealth.org

L

?

Assessing Thinking and Understanding Listen to kids Read kids’ work Confer with kids Listen in on conversation Observe behavior and expressions Chart responses Use available technology Keep anecdotal records of conferences and

conversations Script what kids say

Ensuring Individual Accountability

Define the concept first Keep the group small Use written work plans and checkpoints Make grading standards clear Observe group meetings Have checkup conference with individual kids

ManagementManagement Tool: Making and Using a Work Plan

What kids can do during inquiry time:1) Read to themselves2) Read to each other3) Conduct research online or print4) Respond in writing or drawing5) Respond by talking6) Develop interview questions7) Maintain your research notebook8) Plan to actively use knowledge and take action