C7: Inquiry is a Process

by Lu Gerlach

As we try to introduce inquiry into our classrooms, it can be overhwhelming.  Where do I start?  What tools will I need to make it happen?  How can I break it down for my students, so they understand and can replicate the process on their own.? 

These questions are normal.  To help you with this process, WeI have created short inquiry snacks videos found in our video library.  They walk you through three of the engaging, challenging, relevant, and significant inquiry thinking strategies that are the closest to our hearts.  If we were to start anywhere, it would be these 12 strategies.  

Each inquiry snacks video last 1-3 minutes long and goes over the process and things to consider when implementing.  They are bite-size chunks of instruction to help you get started in your own inquiry journey.  

Before you take a snack break, you must remember that inquiry is about the process not a product to showcase in this school.  We are trying to provide students tools where they can become independent thinkers who pose questions, test out wonderings, and make meaning of their learning.  All of these steps need to be modeled, tried, and adapted to each student learning style before they can explore on their own. 

​Now that's clear, let's take a snack break!  Go to our VIDEOS section to find our Inquiry Snacks. 

Once you've implemented the inquiry thinking strategies, you will feel more comfortable with the process of inquiry.  You will see students enjoying the learning and taking more ownership of the learning process.  

When you feel more confident, you will be able to take larger portions of inquiry into your practice by reading the work of Kath Murdoch, possibly implementing the inquiry proces, and/or providing opportunities for students to explore their own inquiries based on their wonderings. 

Just like preparing a large meal, inquiry takes certain ingredients (time, space, materials), follows a recipe plan (inquiry process), and needs times to cook and meld the flavors together.  This requires some patience and a belief that your learners are capable of directing their own path towards understanding.  Just like a satisfying meal, you will feel comforted and filled with the knowledge that meaningful learning happened, because you released some control of the process. 

It's up to you to decide...are you ready to take a bite or sit down for a feast?