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In this episode of Blooming Curious, Edwina reflects on the insights shared by various experienced educators like Sally Haughey, Claire Warden, Jessica Vance, Tonya Gilchrist, and April Zajko, about the decline of curiosity in children. Emphasizing curiosity as the foundation of learning. Edwina critiques the prevalent easy-route teaching methods such as scripted lessons and reliance on worksheets and urge educators to deeply reflect on their teaching practices, stand up for their belief in nurturing curiosity, and embrace inquiry-based learning to truly enrich children's learning experiences.
http://www.JudoIsLife.net - In this hard-hitting video, we dive deep into the ongoing debate between Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) and the Ecological Approach in martial arts, especially in combat sports like Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). While the Ecological Approach has gained massive popularity for its real-world readiness and adaptability, many coaches and practitioners are fooled by randomness, mistaking chaotic "play" for genuine proficiency.The truth is, the Ecological Approach should always be treated as a secondary phase, only applied after mastering foundational skills through Direct Instruction. Skipping this critical step leads to athletes who lack technical precision and crumble under pressure.We also explore how BJJ's ground-based nature allows athletes to "play their way" into a perceived level of skill, giving a false sense of competence. Unlike sports that demand high kinesthetic awareness and technical precision from the start, BJJ can make practitioners feel proficient without truly mastering the fundamentals.
In this episode of UDL in 15 Minutes, host Loui Lord Nelson speaks with Elke Greite, a middle years IB teacher at Dresden International School, about shifting students' focus from product to process using Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Elke shares how personalized goal-setting, inquiry-driven learning, and the integration of IB's Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills have transformed her visual arts unit on identity. Discover practical strategies for fostering student agency and deeper engagement.
What if assessment wasn't just about measuring learning—but actually deepened it? Traditional assessment often fails because it's something done to students rather than with them; leading to disengagement, surface-level work, and a lack of real ownership. Rigid rubrics, one-size-fits-all grading, and limited student input leave learners disconnected from their own progress, making assessment more about compliance than growth. But what if assessment could be different? Research shows that when students actively participate in learning design, failure rates drop from 32% to 21%, and assessment performance improves significantly. That's exactly what Mehak, an international educator and assessment innovator, experienced when she shifted from teacher-driven evaluation to co-created assessment. She shares how this simple shift fosters ownership, motivation, and more authentic collaboration—all while keeping learning goals on track. We learn: How co-creating success criteria makes assessment more meaningful Why student-led rubrics increase engagement and quality of work How peer and self-assessment drive accountability and reflection The shift from teacher-as-evaluator to teacher-as-facilitator Curious how this shift can improve self-directed learning and work quality in your classroom? Tune into our short conversation. Access the High-Quality Assessment Checklist: High-Quality Assessment Audit Get the 12 Shifts Book: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Shifts-Student-Centered-Environments/dp/1032484713 Mehak's Bio: Mehak Temur is a seasoned educator specializing in the Primary Years, with a strong background in mathematics and technology integration. Her roles as an IB PYP Learning and Teaching Coordinator, Numeracy Coordinator, and Project-Based Learning Facilitator reflect her dedication to student-centered learning with real-world applications. Certified in Inquiry-Based Learning, Concept-Based Learning, Assessment, Google Educator, and Inclusive Education, Mehak brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Her active involvement in program evaluation enables her to address diverse learning needs, meet curricular requirements, and promote inclusivity. With a focus on using technology to enhance math education and problem-solving skills, Mehak's teaching philosophy emphasizes lifelong learning, equipping students for life beyond the classroom, and fostering responsible, well-rounded individuals.
In this episode, I share the reasons and benefits of inquiry-based learning (IBL) as a teaching strategy. Inquiry-Based Learning enhances student motivation, critical thinking, and creativity, and links learning to real-world contexts. IBL can furthermore foster a lifelong love for learning, and is the prefect strategy to help students connect knowledge to other subject areas and their own life experiences. Additionally, I addresses some common misconceptions and challenges associated with IBL, and offer solutions and resources for you the educator.Please go to the episode website for all the research links and links to resources mentioned in the episode.To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning , go here.Connect with Edwina:Email: contact@bloomingcurious.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcuriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️00:00 Introduction to Inquiry-Based Learning00:12 Boosting Student Motivation01:00 Real-World Applications03:39 Enhancing Critical Thinking05:51 Fostering a Love for Learning08:04 Building Creativity and Innovation08:50 Interconnectedness of Knowledge11:14 Differentiation and Reflective Thinking13:09 Challenges and Support in Inquiry-Based Learning16:49 Practical Tips and Resources19:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of Blooming Curious, I welcome Tonya Gilchrist, an International Education Consultant and Learning Strategist. Tonya shares her journey towards advocating inquiry-based learning, discusses how to effectively implement inquiry practices within classrooms, and addresses misconceptions around inquiry and agency. She dives into the challenges of standardised testing and talks about her work in transforming educational approaches in schools worldwide. Discover practical advice for fostering student engagement and honouring individual interests while meeting curriculum standards through inquiry. Tonya also shares insights on facilitating cross-curricular learning and balancing teacher-led and student-led instruction to ensure deep, meaningful learning experiences.Go to the episode website for links mentioned in the episode.To connect with Tonya:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedinTo sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning , go here.Connect with Edwina:Email: contact@bloomingcurious.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcuriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️ 00:00 Introduction to Tonya Gilchrist00:57 Tonya's Journey and Passion for Inquiry02:31 Challenges with Standardized Testing04:03 International Teaching Experience06:53 Misconceptions About Inquiry-Based Learning11:28 The Importance of Hands-On Learning16:47 Breaking Down Subject Silos23:43 Honoring Student Interests and Agency34:21 Celebrating Diverse Talents in the Classroom35:27 The Joy of Teaching and Learning38:03 Engaging Reluctant Students40:53 Building Relationships and High Expectations46:29 Transforming Classrooms Through Inquiry53:43 The Future of Inquiry-Based Learning01:01:39 Staying Curious as an Educator
This week, we are joined by Alice Vigors, a relieving principal in a NSW public school with 15 years of experience in education. On the couch, Alice shares her professional journey into leadership roles with the NSW Department of Education and how she has pursued other passion projects including @thinkingpathways. In this episode we dive into the power of inquiry-based learning by exploring how it can foster creativity, critical thinking and collaboration in the classroom. Alice gives practical advice on how she implements this approach to challenge student learning, encourage questions and develop problem-solving skills. Get ready to bolster your teacher toolkit as we explore ‘See, Think, Wonder', an inquiry-based thinking routine which can help inspire curiosity and deepen students' understanding of the content they are learning. But what impact can it have? Alice reminisces on the rewarding outcomes that she has witnessed in students who can question content and engage in higher-level thinking in real-world situations. It is through her work as a teacher and leader in a NSW public school and with @thinkingpathways that Alice hopes to inspire other educators to embrace the same practices that have shaped her teaching career. Other topics we cover that you don't want to miss – teaching in regional/rural NSW as well as advice for beginning teachers on professional learning and progressing into leadership roles. We hope you enjoy this episode. We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with us If you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact teachcast@det.nsw.edu.au to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and YouTube to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Resources and useful links: Teach NSW – become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you. Thinking Pathways – explore educational resources to engage your students in inquisitive learning.
This episode is an AI-generated podcast conversation using NotebookLM. It uses our published blog piece written by Drew Perkins as the source material. Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode
In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker dive into inquiry-based learning, which leads to critical thinking skills and problem solving skills. They walk listeners through the nine units of Structure and Style® and how they encourage creativity, thinking skills, and problem solving. Referenced Materials By Heart: The Goodness of Memory audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Episode 439: Active Learning Strategies Structure and Style® for Students "What the Heck Is Inquiry-Based Learning?" "What Is ‘Inquiry-Based Learning’?: Types, Benefits, Examples" Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Frontiers in Writing Transcript of Podcast Episode 446 If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
At the free event The Inquiry Educator's Summit Kath Murdoch spoke about the qualities of inquiry educators. How educators shouldn't just accept things as they are but be open to question, change, and make adjustments to better meet the learning needs of our students.In this episode I unpack my own take aways from the episode, the most profound being, "Don't be seduced into the shallow waters." This is what I unpack in this episode and also offer my own help to educators that just want to take that leap and begin integrating inquiry so that they better meet the needs of our modern children.Get the links on the episode page.To sign up to Get Curious, the weekly newsletter with actionable strategies for keeping children and adults curious, go here.
One of the speakers at the 2024 Inquiry Educators Summit 2024 was Trevor MacKenzie, teacher, Education Consultant, speaker and author.Trevor focused on how we as educators plan for curiosity. How we get children to ask questions and how we use our students' questions as formative evidence to plan the next steps in our students' learning.It all starts with knowing our curriculum and then using our provocations to ignite curiosity and questions from students.Trevor gave some examples of actionable questioning routines and how we use them to stay true to our values as inquiry educators.In this episode I share some of the learning I took away from Trevor's session, and also some of the episodes and blog posts that reiterate Trevor's sentiments about inquiry in practise. For all the links and show notes, go to the episode page.
If you've ever had an opinion or just wondered about inquiry based learning then this is the episode for you.In this episode, Edwina debunks the comments and misconceptions made by educators about inquiry-based learning on line.Edwina cuts through all the misconceptions and offers practical, honest and straight forward facts around inquiry based learning.If you found this episode interesting or just thought provoking, then please click the forward button and send it to a few friends.For all the show notes and links go to the episode page.To subscribe to Get Curious the weekly inspirational newsletter for curious educators and parents who want to know more about keeping kids curious, happy and learning sign up here.
Victoria Crossan is a wealth of practical knowledge when it comes to using inquiry as a teaching strategy to nurture children's curiosity.In this episode we upack how inquiry benefits children's learning, the difference between an invitation and a provocation and how to use what you have to set up provocations.Victoria walks us through how to use provocations to spark children's interests and gives useful advice to educators who are new to inquiry, and are ready to have a go.Victoria's passion is palpable! Let this be the episode that makes you want to have a go and change children's learning for the better.All the links and show notes can be found in the episode website.Sign up to Get Curious, the weekly dose of inspiration for educators who are keen to put the love back into teaching and learning. Sign up here.
It's back to school time and teachers are preparing classrooms and lesson plans in anticipation for that first day and all the days that follow.Of course, ensuring that the learning space is welcoming and sparks curiosity and interest is at the forefront of every teacher's mind, but the greatest challenge for any teacher is how to get kids to be interested in learning, to spark their curiosity and encourage a love for learning. That is half the battle!What does it take to encourage curiosity and how do we keep those young minds curious? This is what we unpack in this episode.Go to the episode page for all the links and shownotes.Love this content? Leave a review and share it with 2 friends or colleagues.Thanks!
Do you want to get your students excited and passionate about learning? Spark your students' curiosity and get them motivated to learn by using inquiry-based learning which allows your students to explore what's interesting to them. Here's how you can get started. Bio Dagoberto Polanco was inspired by his own language-learning journey upon arriving to the United States from the Dominican Republic at age 17. He hails from a family of educators and found his niche in the field of language acquisition. He has accrued over a decade of classroom experience as a World Language teacher. He simultaneously served as the lead tech mentor for the teacher body and as the liaison and translator for non-English speaking families. He enjoys empowering people with the needed tools to succeed in an ever-changing global world. Producer's Notes Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/michelleolah Have a comment or question? Leave a voicemail at (207) 888-9819 or email podcast@waysidepublishing.com Produced by Wayside Publishing - https://waysidepublishing.com Mentions Inquiry-Based Learning Meets Language Acquisition: Inquire to Acquire: https://home.edweb.net/webinar/lang-lit20240808/ Inquiry-based Learning (IBL) Ted Lasso https://tv.apple.com/us/show/ted-lasso/umc.cmc.vtoh0mn0xn7t3c643xqonfzy Trevor McKenzie, Inquiry Mindset
Inquiry based learning, is a methodology, a pedagogy, a strategy, it's not a seperate subject. It's a methodology that is a part of the very fabric of an inquiry educator. Inquiry-based learning encourages thinking, questioning and discovery. It's a strategy that engages all children, because it arms children with the skills they need to uncover questions, work independently, and apply their learning to other areas.In this episode I peel back the layers of my own teaching career and how I came to teach with an inquiry mindset, and apply inquiry based learning to my own practice. I uncover the lessons learnt and the challenges we face today in our classrooms.For me, inquiry based learning has been a game changer and my hope is that all educators will implement this strategy into their toolkit so that ALL children can benefit. For me it's always about what's best for children. The results and the attitude of my students towards learning, has convinced me that this is the way to go if we are to educate the whole child and appeal to their individual needs and strengths. If my message resonates with you, or you find it interesting then share it with a friend, and leave a review...that's the ultimate compliment. Thanks!You will find the show notes and all links mentioned in the episode on the website page.Contact Edwina at contact@bloomingcurious.com
Schools are in crisis. Researchers say that children are not performing as well as they should be, and are falling behind.But who is to blame? The curriculum or the teachers, or something else? Are our teaching strategies ineffective?In this episode we look at what research based evidence says are the most effective teaching strategies for student learning. We dig into High Impact Teaching Strategies as developed by John Hattie, and how these strategies align with inquiry based learning.If we are using these evidence based strategies, then surely student learning will be positively impacted.We unpack how these strategies form part of an inquiry classroom and explore how teachers can get started with inquiry in their classrooms with the Inquiry101 e-guide.Find all the show notes and links on Blooming Curious
In this episode, we unpack the strategies, tips and advice to help educators integrate and teach with an inquiry mindset with the help of the creators behind Sqwish Resources, Allanah and Meg.These experienced and passionate educators are on a mission to help bring inquiry to all lessons with their resources based on the 5E model.Listen just how easy it is to flip from chalk and talk to inspiring students to think, wonder and have fun learning.Links:https://sqwish.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sqwish_resources/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sqwish_resourcesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558864596356Sign up to the weekly Get Curious newsletter for tips, tricks and insights into all thinks curiosity, learning and teaching at https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/getcuriousWebsite for blogposts, resources and podcast episodes : https://www.bloomingcurious.com
Learning really is a journey. And like a journey it requires planning, recording, sharing and assessing of how it all unfolded. The map that educators follow as students travel on this journey is usually either Kath Murdoch's Inquiry Cycle or the 3E model of inquiry, and in order to keep children on track, we provide scaffolds for them that help them in their planning and thinking.Educators too, record their own observations of the learner's progress.In this episode the various strategies for recoding and documenting students' learning is unpacked.Download the resources to help, guide and track learning, planning and progress here:Investigation planner https://resources.edslessons.com/investigation-plannerIntegrating Inquiry Planning Template https://resources.edslessons.com/integrating-inquiry-planning-sheetObservation Record Sheets https://resources.edslessons.com/observation-recordsInquiry and Investigation Record Planning Sheets https://resources.edslessons.com/inquiry-and-investigation-record-plannerGuided Backyard Inquiry https://resources.edslessons.com/guided-backyard-inquirySign up to Get Curious, the weekly newsletter for curious educators https://resources.edslessons.com/getcuriousGet in touch with Edwina at contact@edslessons.com
Kids ask a lot of questions! They ask questions because they have an innate desire for knowledge. But, sadly as children progress through school and eventually adulthood, the questions become fewer until eventually as adults we may not be questioning at all.Questions are the gateway to knowledge, but not all questions are equal.In this episode we explore the questions that get kids thinking and curious. The questions that educators need to ask to get students curious and thinking and even those questions that take learning further and deeper.Go deeper in this blog post https://edslessons.com/how-questions-le…ty-and-knowledge/Download your free list of question starters at https://resources.edslessons.com/questionsDownload your free eGuide How to Encourage Natural Curiosity in Children here https://resources.edslessons.com/how-to-encourage-natural-curiosity-in-childrenGet started with Inquiry 101, which takes you through the step-by-step process of getting started with inquiry and how to integrate it into your existing lessons here https://resources.edslessons.com/inquiry-101Get on the mailing list for all the insider information around inquiry, curiosity, teaching and learning by signing up here https://resources.edslessons.com/getcuriousBuy Kath Murdoch's book Getting Personal with Inquiry here Contact Edwina at contact@edslessons.com
Marcus Veerman is a playground designer, founder and CEO of a charity called Playground Ideas and designer and founder of the Nudel Kart, Nudel Pod and Nudel Rover, innovative open ended toys based on loose parts. These multilayered innovations allow children's creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and language skills not only to develop, but flourish. In this episode Marcus shares his amazing journey from providing children from impoverished backgrounds incredible opportunities for play and exploration to his latest development the Nudel Kart, which allows multifaceted skill development all neatly packaged in a highly sustainable loose part package making play, creativity, problem solving and language development easily accessible to children everywhere, and simultaneously meeting curriculum outcomes.Purchase Nudel products at https://nudel.shop/Find out all about the Nudel Kart at https://www.nudelkart.com/For more posts and articles about curiosity, learning and inquiry visit Ed's LessonsDid you enjoy this episode? Follow and subscribe to Blooming Curious and leave a review by going to the show page.Have a question? Send me an email at contact@edslessons.com
So you're inspired to integrate inquiry-based learning into your existing lessons, but you 're struggling to know how to go about it. This episode will walk you through the process and give you some ideas of how you can integrate inquiry into your planning and everyday lessons.To make your life easier, download the planning sheet at https://resources.edslessons.com/integrating-inquiry-planning-sheetGet a detailed breakdown of how to start integrating inquiry into your existing lessons here Follow Jessica Vance at https://www.instagram.com/jess_vanceedu/website: www.edslessons.comSubscribe to Get Blooming Curious at https://resources.edslessons.com/getbloomingcurious
Teaching outdoors fosters natural opportunities for inquiry-based learning as it involves open-ended investigations into the wonder of children. In this episode, all the way from Australia, we have Edwina Cottino from Edslessons.com sharing her insight on advocating for outdoor play, nature pedagogy and inquiry-based learning outdoors. We discuss education views of children being active agents in their own journey to lifelong learningMEET EDWINA: Edwina Cottino is an early childhood educator from Perth, Australia. She is the founder of Edslessons.com and host of the Blooming Curious podcast. Edwina is passionate about nurturing children's natural curiosity and through her website, resources and podcast explores strategies that ensure children remain engaged and loving learning. Edwina is on a mission to keep children engaged, questioning, and thinking and is an advocate for play, nature pedagogy, and inquiry-based learning. Edwina dreams of a future where children can once again enjoy a carefree childhood which prioritizes outdoor play and learning, through a lens of inquiry and exploration.CONTACT EDWINA: EmailWebsiteOutdoor Learning: Bringing the Joy Back into Learning with Victoria HackettOUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card DeckFREE PDF Library of Nature-Based Children's Books & Weekly Seedling News
According to the latest Australian news reports, Australian children are performing terribly and the real culprit is the fact that teachers are not teaching using an explicit instruction model.In today's episode I explore very subtly (can you guess what it is?) what the issue might be, and exactly what it is we're trying to achieve if we are not using a whole repertoire of strategies. To listen to the episode on the website go to edslessons.com/bloomingcuriousLinks mentioned in the episode:https://explicitinstruction.org/download/sample-chapter.pdf an excerpt by Anita L Archer and Charles A Hughes from the publication Explicit Instruction and Efficient Teachinghttps://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1188027.pdf Teachers Taking up Explicit Instruction: The Impact of a Professional Development and Directive Instructional Coaching ModelTo get the free resource: go to https://resources.edslessons.com/how-to-encourage-natural-curiosity-in-childrenTo sign up to Get Blooming Curious, my weekly newsletter for curious educators, sign up at https://resources.edslessons.com/getbloomingcurious or at www.edslessons.comThanks for listening! If you like this episode, or indeed the whole show, please show your appreciation by following, sharing and leaving a review!
In this episode I'm talking with Drew Perkins. Drew is Director of Thought Stretchers Education and host of the ThoughtStretchersEducation Podcast. I wanted to speak to Drew as I continue my exploration of what inquiry looks like in the classroom and particularly how it applies to English. Drew is an active advocate for implementing inquiry in a meaningful manner within education and has helped thousands of individual teachers to do so.We discuss:The difference between inquiry, project-based and other constructivist approaches to teachingWhat inquiry is for and what it offers students that other approaches do notHow we know when to give students the level of autonomy they can handleHow we can best aid students in generating their own questionsWhat Drew means by ‘order of operations' and how it is practically appliedAnd finally, whether Drew thinks there's a difference between inquiry in elementary and middle-school and between different subject disciplines.Thanks again to Drew for discussing inquiry approaches with his customary enthusiasm and expertise.If you want to be kept up to date on when educational chat like this happens, then be sure to subscribe to the podcast and/or follow me on Twitter @chrisjordanhk
On this week's episode, Sharona and Bosley speak with Dr. Theron Hitchman (TJ) about his experience with "accidentally" changing his grading while intentionally changing his classroom pedagogy to bring in Inquiry-Based Learning. Dr. Hitchman is a mathematics professor at the University of Northern Iowa. He teaches a variety of courses from upper-level Mathematics courses for majors to courses for future teachers, biologists, and physicists.His story of intentionally and transparently changing his pedagogical practices by getting colleague and administrative buy in while simultaneously changing his assessment practices "under the radar" provides an interesting look at how pedagogy and assessment intertwine to allow each to become more effective.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Mentioned in the Episode:Jane Shevtsov on TwitterThe Academy of Inquiry Based LearningStan Yoshinobu, University of TorontoMike Starbird, University of Texas at AustinCarol Schumacher, Kenyon CollegeResourcesThe Grading Conference - an annual, online conference exploring Alternative Grading in Higher Education & K-12.Some great resources to educate yourself about Alternative Grading:The Grading for Growth BlogThe Grading ConferenceThe Intentional Academia BlogRecommended Books on Alternative Grading (Please note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!):Grading for Growth, by Robert Talbert and David ClarkSpecifications Grading, by Linda NilsenUndoing the Grade, by Jesse Stommel
Getting Started series: The outdoor environment has the potential to be an extraordinary learning space that sparks curiosity and wonder in our children. The outdoor setting offers unique learning opportunities that can't be replicated indoors. In this episode we we unpack the secrets to crafting irresistible outdoor learning spaces and explore the keys to designing outdoor spaces that spark curiosity, foster creativity, and make learning an unforgettable adventure.For all the details, links and downloads go to https://edslessons.com/setting-up-an-ou…ent-for-children/If you like the show please consider subscribing and sharing, and leaving a review, this is the only way this show can grow and benefit more educators and children.
Getting Started series: In this the third episode of the Getting Started in teaching series, we explore timetables and scheduling in the early childhood classroom, including how to integrate inquiry-based learning into our daily teaching schedules, and the benefits of visual timetables.As educators, we need to find the time to include all teaching areas into our already overcrowded weekly schedules. In this episode we explore how to schedule non-negotiables, and integrate inquiry, so that we can meet multiple curriculum outcomes making learning more relevant for students, and simultaneously meeting curriculum demands.For all the links and downloads mentioned in this episode go to https://edslessons.com/scheduling-for-inquiry-based-learning/If you like the show please consider subscribing and sharing it with others. Thanks!
Getting Started Series: In this episode, we dive into the art of lesson planning by exploring the innovative strategy of integrating various subject areas within the curriculum. Join me as I unravel the intricacies of seamlessly blending multiple subjects to create comprehensive and engaging learning experiences for students.Discover the immense benefits of integrating different curriculum areas and how this approach not only enhances learning but also effectively meets the outcomes across various disciplines. I explore how we educators can harness the potential of cross-curricular integration to foster a holistic understanding and application of knowledge.Moreover, we delve into the integration of inquiry-based learning within this framework, highlighting its pivotal role in engaging students and encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and curiosity. Uncover how an inquiry-driven approach complements integrated teaching, empowering students to explore connections across subjects and develop a deeper understanding of the material. Learn how to effectively structure lessons that seamlessly weave together different subjects while incorporating inquiry-based methodologies.Whether you're a seasoned educator seeking to refine your teaching methods or new to teaching and eager to explore innovative approaches, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to harness the power of integrated curriculum and inquiry-based learning, ultimately fostering a richer educational experience for your students.For all the details and links mentioned in the episode go to https://edslessons.com/how-to-plan-inte…ing-a-curriculum/If you like the show please subscribe and leave a review which will really benefit the show showing up for others.
So as we come to the close of 2023, I encourage you to start pondering how you as an educator truly impacted the lives of children in your care. And what about you? Did you grow? Are you just going do the same things next year as you did this past year? Or are you going to challenge yourself this coming year to try something a little different, to take a bit of risk, to have a go and get a little uncomfortable? We cannot grow or learn without some discomfort. We all know how challenging learning something new can be, but also how rewarding it is.And so for next year I invite you to join me in embracing a new challenge. Let's not be so hung up about sticking to curriculum programs, but let's focus on the strategy like inquiry, that really excites children and gives them ownership over their learning. Inquiry is such an exciting way for kids to learn. Let's focus on bringing joy to our student's lives and to our own. Let's embrace strategies that give us a break and make teaching and the facilitation of learning fun for us too. The challenge for the rest of the holidays is for you and me just to ponder and wonder and think about how we want to make a difference in the lives of the kids we teach? How do we want to impact their learning and curiosity? And how do we also want to make a difference in our own lives as educators.For all the details and links mentioned in the show go to https://edslessons.com/top-inspirational-resources-for-early-childhood-teachers/If you find value in the show, then please subscribe and leave a review which will really help others find the show too.
Museum education is evolving, and so are the ways we engage our audiences. The days of traditional lecture-style tours are numbered, as more and more museums offer more dynamic, participant-driven, discussion-based experiences. Whether you're just starting out with inquiry-based learning in the museum or looking to enhance your existing approach, this episode is for you. It's packed with actionable tips and strategies to guide you. I'm going to share practical insights that will help you overcome common fears, embrace the unknown, and confidently step into the realm of discussion-based inquiry-based programs. Here are my top 3 tips to get you started.LinksVTMO Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Courses Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine ListSupport the ShowDownload the free guide - how to look at art (slowly)Curated newsletter by Claire Bown
In this much-anticipated episode, host, Leanne McMahon sits down with world-famous maths educator Eddie Woo to try to harness his enthusiasm to inspire us all to be the best maths teacher we can. We discuss what inspires Eddie, how he moved from feeling ‘on the outside' to where he is today and what he has learned along the way (and from whom). We touch on the perceived dichotomy between direct instruction and learning through problem solving and mention other pedagogies that may have been set up as dichotomous, but that all contribute to the rich tapestry of Maths teaching. Finally, we look at the importance of mentoring for all teachers and where Eddie would go for professional learning. Please pass on some of the maths love by rating and sharing our podcast and check out some of the back catalogue of other brilliant guests and topics the MathsTalk podcast has covered. Resources: Contact us: MathsTalk@amsi.org.au Eddie's website and links to TV shows and books: https://misterwootube.com/ https://misterwootube.com/2020/03/18/books-tv-2/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXwStduNw14&ab_channel=TEDxTalks A profile of Eddie: https://careers.amsi.org.au/eddie/ The NSW Mathematics Growth team: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/strategies-and-reports/nsw-mathematics-strategy/initiatives/10-mathematics-growth-team Teacher social networks: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249795726_District_Policy_and_Teachers%27_Social_Networks Dan Meyer – Fake world math: https://blog.mrmeyer.com/2015/fake-world-math-when-mathematical-modeling-goes-wrong-and-how-to-get-it-right/ Logarithmic graphs and Covid-19: https://www.socialsciencespace.com/2020/06/people-do-not-understand-logarithmic-graphs-used-to-visualize-covid-19/ Direct Instruction or Inquiry-Based Learning?: https://www.edutopia.org/article/direct-instruction-inquiry-based-learning/ ICE-EM Textbooks: https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/ AMSI Resources: https://calculate.org.au/
Inquiry-based learning is an academic buzzword today, but what does it really mean, and how can it help students to think critically? What are the secret ingredients of this methodology that connect it to innovation and a lifelong love of learning? At Chula Vista University and all of our homeschool academy subsidiaries, we teach in a format we call our Signature Socratic Method (SSM). Discover why this method will simplify your teaching and radically transform your homeschool environment. Experience the method in person for yourself at our CVCU campus, where we offer preschool to college classes built on the SSM model. Learn more at www.cvcu.us.
This entire month we talking about Teaching & Learning Outdoors. In this episode, we are taking a deep dive into Inquiry-Based Teaching and Learning Outdoors. HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS EPISODE: In this mini-episode, we are asking LOTS of questions: What does Inquiry-Based Teaching look like?What does Inquiry-Based Teaching look like in Nature?9 Reasons why you should implement Inquiry-Based Learning in your outdoor classroom.MEET VICTORIA: Founder of Outdoor-Classrooms.com, The Secret Gardens Outdoor Classroom Nature Classes, the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, and The CIRCLE Membership Community.The foundation of my work is twofold: to inspire teachers, parents & school communities to make their own outdoor classrooms and to do so on a shoestring budget.In communicating all the possibilities, I developed a framework for what I call The Five Phases of Teaching Outdoors which can be found in The Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp. To continue these important conversations, I created the Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE Membership Community which includes a toolshed of methods and resources for cultivating Outdoor Classrooms and Nature Based Teaching.At Outdoor Classrooms, I make it simple, easy, and cost-effective for you to start, develop, and enjoy your own one-of-a-kind outdoor classroom… one that integrates perfectly with your curriculum, outdoor space, and budget.Whether you're just starting out or you've had an outdoor classroom for years, here you will find the tools, training, community, and time-tested principles you need to:Make and sustain your own one-of-a-kind outdoor classroom on a shoestring budget.Gain confidence in your ability to teach outdoors even if you've never done it before.Know how to keep your students engaged, enthused, and learning well outside…in rain, snow, or sun.Get new inspiration, ideas, and resources for what, where, when, why, and how to teach outdoors.Experience more joy and a deep sense of satisfaction as you watch your students become more curious, engaged, and excited about what they're learning.CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: FREE Seedling Newsletter WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.comEMAIL: Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.comInstagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: Facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE MembershipThe Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp
Are you struggling to include inquiry-based learning in your classroom? Understanding how to implement it can be challenging, especially for teachers with a range of abilities in their classrooms.Inquiry is not just an open-ended free-for-all, but rather it is about empowering students to ask questions and guiding them through the process of discovering answers.In this episode, we discuss the following:· The four types of inquiry-based learning · How they're different · How they're the same · How there is a type of inquiry that all students can participate inAs teachers, we may have focused on getting through the curriculum during the pandemic, but now is the time to address the gap in our student's ability to use critical thinking skills to learn.4 Types of Inquiry-Based Learning1. Structured Inquiry - This form of inquiry-based learning has a lot of teacher support. It follows predetermined steps that allow students to explore and discover things they are learning in a very structured, linear way. 2. Guided Inquiry - This form of inquiry-based learning has a high level of teacher support and scaffolds students through each step of the inquiry process while allowing some students to follow different paths. 3. Problem-Based Inquiry - In this form of inquiry-based learning, students start with a problem and try to come up with solutions to solve that problem. The teacher provides strategies, tools, and parameters, but students are free to explore and experiment with different solutions and draw conclusions based on their results. 4. Open-Ended Inquiry - In this form of inquiry-based learning, students are free to pick a topic that interests them and explore it independently, with the teacher providing minimal guidance.Through inquiry-based learning, students are empowered to ask questions, become problem solvers, and engage in critical thinking, which are essential skills for success in the workforce. Join us as we dive into this critical topic and explore how you can use the four types of inquiry-based learning in the classroom today. To find our highly effective, time-saving resources Checkout our Madly Learning Store at www.madlylearning.com/storeCheckout our Teachers Pay Teachers storeJoin our FREE Facebook community for teachers here: https://bit.ly/IYT-FB
Educator and materials writer Michelle Worgan talks about Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) and the qualities that set it apart from Project-Based Learning. In this episode, Michelle provides examples of Inquiry-Based Learning in practice and how it can blend into existing curricula and lesson materials, including coursebooks.Visit Michelle's website here to learn more about her work and the teacher training courses she offers.Would you like to get involved and support TESOL Pop?Ask a question or pitch an idea.Sponsor our coffee break.Say hello on Instagram.
Toni Rose is joined by Jim Hall to talk about how he implements MCP in an inquiry-based IB science class. Show Notes Jim's Tea Cabinet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RMR-VGmtC3A7KOU9Tj09fLJKgCS_0Jc0BKIG5eygCTM/edit?usp=sharing) Edutopia videos profiling MCP: High School (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrR-KIoggf4) and Elementary School (https://www.edutopia.org/video/making-self-paced-learning-work-younger-kids/) The Five-E Model for inquiry-based learning (https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/the-5-es-of-inquiry-based-learning/) Follow Jim on Twitter @chemhall (https://twitter.com/chemhall) and Instagram @chemhall (https://www.instagram.com/chemhall/), and email him at james.hall@modernclassrooms.org (mailto:james.hall@modernclassrooms.org)** Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org (mailto:podcast@modernclassrooms.org) Send us an audio note (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffmqSsaaU7M0MTXowApIOt-wace2tD6LPct73oEQOlaFp4vQ/viewform?usp=sf_link) and we'll include it on a future episode! Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj (https://twitter.com/modernclassproj) on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj (https://www.facebook.com/modernclassproj) (remember you can tweet us questions by using the hashtag #askMCP) Kareem: @kareemfarah23 (https://twitter.com/kareemfarah23) on Twitter Toni Rose: @classroomflex (https://twitter.com/classroomflex) on Twitter and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/classroomflex/?hl=en) The Modern Classroom Project (https://www.modernclassrooms.org) Modern Classrooms Online Course (https://learn.modernclassrooms.org) Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom! The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond (https://twitter.com/zpdiamond) on Twitter and Learning to Teach (https://www.learningtoteach.co/)
Want to to foster a love of learning in your classroom? Get tips from inquiry-based social studies teachers, Melissa Williamson and Jennifer Bell, in our Season 2 finale!
Anna Ritzema is a passionate STEM educator, working in rural and regional Western Australia. In 2020 she was named WA Science and Engineering Teacher, having led her school to the finals of the Governor's STEM awards and becoming a Teacher Development program for STEM and Science. She was awarded the School Plus 2021 Teaching Fellowship. Anna currently works at the Polly Farmer foundation and is an advocate for young girls and Women in STEM. She was a finalist for the Director General's Women of the Year 2020. In our conversation, we talk about inquiry based learning, and how we can guide students through their curiosity, and help them to succeed. Show Notes: https://steampoweredshow.com/shows/anna-ritzema [00:01:00] What drew Anna to education. [00:02:14] The relationships that we build as teachers and the impact that it has. [00:03:51] Encouraging and cultivating engagement and instilling self-believe and confidence. [00:05:17] Balancing passion for STEM subjects and the fear of getting it wrong. [00:08:42] Making teaching STEM about the journey and not just hitting the objectives. [00:10:52] Peer learning and learning to teach is important at all ages. [00:14:08] Incorporate mindfulness in the teaching and learning experience. [00:14:56] Education systems, modes of learning, and developmental stages. [00:18:14] Empowering teachers to be flexible within the system and in the context of individual development. [00:20:06] KPIs of the teachers don't always correspond to the intrinsic value of the experiences and learning development of the students. [00:22:58] Anna's journey and initial reluctance to enter STEM. [00:23:54] Discovering a love for the analytical side of linguistics. [00:24:38] Teaching at Dragon School and having the opportunity to hone her craft. [00:26:17] Taking a position as a science teacher and finding she actually enjoyed this. [00:27:17] Science is magic. [00:32:23] Teachers provide direction and can help keep dreams alive even when there isn't an obvious path. [00:34:03] The privilege of being able to see your potential right in front of you. [00:34:55] Providing opportunities to connect with possible industries and futures. [00:37:37] Virtual STEM academies and the technology to bring the wider world closer to home. [00:43:46] Enquiry-based learning. [00:47:49] Polly Farmer Foundation and their programs empowering indigenous students and incorporating the knowledge of the First Scientists into what we do now. [00:51:15] On problem solving and learning about failure. [00:54:59] Crafting learning narrative, connecting to the emotion and being able to reflect on the process. [00:56:30] Building that relationship so the rest will follow. [00:58:24] Learning that indirect routes can be fun and just as rewarding. [01:00:09] Not being "the sage on the stage, but being the guide from the side". [01:01:17] Anna's key observations teaching in such a wide variety of environments. [01:01:48] "Every child will make progress in my care… I am proud to be their teacher, and every child has impacted my journey." [01:06:18] Always looking for what a child can do. [01:07:40] Believing in yourself and each other is powerful. [01:09:53] Bonus Question 1: What hobby or interest do you have that is most unrelated to your field of work? [01:12:21] Bonus Question 2: Which childhood book holds the strongest memories for you? [01:14:35] Perspective on others' experiences. [01:17:59] Bonus Question 3: What advice you would give someone who wants to do what you do? Or what advice should they ignore? [01:18:07] It's about passion. [01:19:03] Do not doubt your power as an educator. Connect with STEAM Powered: Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon
Inquiry-Based LearningInquiry-based learning is the practice of using open-ended, student-driven approaches to education designed to stimulate curiosity and increase buy-in from learners. In classrooms where IBL is prioritized, students might construct their own assessments and research models or collectively build rules and classroom codes of conduct. By allowing students to take ownership of their own learning, inquiry-based classrooms clear the way for increased engagement and comprehension, but this highly-engaged learning can often be difficult for educators to setup and maintain. Join Katie and Chelsea as they discuss best practices, real examples from the classroom, and the power of learning to ask the right questions.Sources:Edutopia - What the Heck Is Inquiry-Based Learning? By Heather Wolpert-GawronThe University of Manchester - What is Enquiry-Based Learning (EBL)?C3 Teachers - The Inquiry Design ModelFacilitating an inquiry-based science classroom By Debbie K. Jackson and Marius BobocGitHub - The Mycelium NetworkAnchor - The Mycelium Network Podcast By The Mycelium Network
This is the latest in a series of podcasts where I focus on a particular part of English instruction or English related matters in detail. In this episode I'm talking with Trevor MacKenzie. Trevor is a world-renowned speaker and author and is best known for his work with inquiry based teaching approaches. As an IB educator, inquiry is a word, strategy or concept that comes up on a daily basis with students and colleagues. Given its fundamental role within the MYP and DP, getting Trevor on to ask him questions and learn from his experience was a massive privilege. We discuss, 1. What is the best literary text he's ever read, taught or been taught? 2. What does an inquiry classroom look like and sound like in Trevor's experience? 3. Typically what would be the ratio between need-to-know or non-negotiable skills/knowledge and the inquiry process time wise? 4. How do teachers strike a balance between non-negotiable exam / coursework specification in English and student passion? 5. What are the difficulties or challenges Trevor's faced with asking students to design their own assessment in middle-school? 6. What Trevor thinks of statements of inquiry and real world assessment in MYP unit planning. 7. And finally, what Trevor thinks of the increasingly popular explicit instruction over the inquiry approach. From beginning to end, this conversation continually clarified things I'd heard about the inquiry approach and left me with plenty of considerations for how to enhance my own approach to the classroom. Thanks again to Trevor who spoke concisely, passionately and transparently throughout. If you want to be kept up to date on when educational chat like this happens, then be sure to subscribe to the podcast and/or follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/chrisjordanhk (@chrisjordanhk) Links: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Fallen-Feathers-Racism-Northern/dp/1487002262 (Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City) by https://www.amazon.com/Tanya-Talaga/e/B0881Z3SKN/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1 (Tanya Talaga) Trevor's https://www.amazon.com/s?i=audible&k=Trevor%20MacKenzie&ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_1 (books) Kath Murdoch's https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOj5Szd2ZD3rHMcOZOcGgQ (YouTube Channel)
In a podcast focused on inquiry based learning, I welcome Ciara Fitzpatrick from ISHCMC here in Saigon, and Juan Carlos from European International School and UPP Global. Both work at TeShares in Vietnam. We discuss an alternative method to education, bringing teachers and students learning experiences together, and where this can evolve. Topics include ⁃ How to communicate with students, motivate them to find their own solutions, triggering curiosity and adapting to their interests ⁃ What inquiry based learning is and how it differs from the traditional education model ⁃ What ‘Teashares' is and how it works ⁃ How to supervise an inquiry based learning lesson ⁃ The list of top 10 skills that employers will be looking for by 2025 and how Inquiry Based Learning helps this process ⁃ The concept of being an eternal student ⁃ Creating an immersive and inclusive classroom culture ⁃ Making sure that students have basic fundamental skills but also harnessing creativity ⁃ Practicing humility as a teacher in this environment You can find out more about these projects at; Www.teashares.com Www.uppglobal.co.uk Instagram: @inquirylogic Twitter: @inquirylogic Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/InquiryTeashares/
This episode is a tad longer than the usual duo episode, but that's because it's packed full of Ryan and Khalilah answering YOUR questions about them, their work, and their thOTs. They discuss everything from inspirational moments and people to what they got wrong about academia and what their hopes are for the OTPs who come after them. They talk about centering joy and showing up authentically and the nuances that come with that work. Ryan explores how to get into #VintageOT and Khalilah discusses the hard lessons she's learned as a Black female scholar and practitioner. Finally they end on a note about self-love and honoring your successes. Highlights include: Ryan gets a new nickname (probably won't stick), Khalilah preaches the word on trauma, they are both happy the other showed up today, Ryan wins a jump-roping award, and Khalilah reminds everyone to mind your business and drink water.
This series is all about equipping our kids for the future with a sense of wonder, adventure, joy and encouragement. Today's topic is a discussion about inquiry based learning - what inquiry based learning really is, plus resources and ideas for how to incorporate it into your homeschool. Learn more about Synthesis --https://go.synthesis.is/rll
In this episode, we take classes from passive to active learning by showing students what inquiry can do for their understanding of history. We discuss what inquiry is, what it is not, and resources for teachers. Teacher ResourcesArizona Department of Education Inquiry SeriesCosta's Levels of QuestioningPulitzer CenterC3 TeachersK-5 ResourcesInquirEDHistory's Mysteries6-12 Resources5 E FrameworkFacing HistoryEducating for American Democracy Home PageCenter for Political Thought and LeadershipSchool for Civic and Economic Thought Leadership
Why is inquiry-based learning such a powerful part of modern education? In this episode of Fueling Creativity, Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood speak with Dr. Frank LaBanca, a teacher, educational researcher, and change agent based in Connecticut. Frank is one of the few public-school principals, nationally, that teaches students in his own classroom. Tune in to learn his approach to inquiry-based learning, a significant part of his strategic planning in founding the Westside Middle School Academy Magnet. Frank shares why he prioritizes inquiry-based learning in the classroom over other approaches to education as well as the role of inquiry-based learning in developing creativity and problem-solving skills. He speaks on the power of teaching students to ask meaningful questions, how he does that, and how he helps teachers develop the capacity to implement and manage project-based learning in the classroom. “Inquiry is questioning and investigation. In that simple elegance, it's a wonderful way to approach learning because children can ask meaningful questions and seek their own idiosyncratic, diverse methods to try to solve those problems.” - Dr. Frank LaBanca Frank also highlights the value of teachers not being the ultimate evaluators of students' work, rather their work being evaluated by others in the real world. Then, he divulges how he selected new faculty for his school, the challenges he and his administrative colleagues are currently facing, and how his creative projects outside of school that inspire his professional development. Frank's Tips for Teachers and Parents: Spend time problem-finding. Don't rush students through the process of developing ideas for study. Don't be afraid of what you don't know. Let it be exciting to not have answers for your students'/kids' questions. Have confidence to facilitate the process of finding their own answers. There's a continuum between developing ideas and solving ideas. Don't be focused on just solving ideas. “Developing questions takes time and students need and deserve the time to go through that process of evaluating questions.” - Dr. Frank LaBanca “I think a really important part of inquiry is you learn to do and about at the same time.” - Dr. Frank LaBanca Resources Mentioned: Listen to the episode with Natalie NixonListen to the episode with Jeffrey Davis Listen to the episode with Dr. Vlad Glaveanu Eager to bring more creativity into your home or classroom? Access a variety of creativity resources and tools & listen to more episodes of The Fueling Creativity Podcast by visiting our website, www.CreativityandEducation.com. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! You can also find The Fueling Creativity Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and PodBean! Make sure to rate, review, and share the podcast if you enjoy it! About Dr. Frank LaBanca: Dr. Frank LaBanca is a teacher, educational researcher, and change agent. He is the Founding Principal of the Westside Middle School Academy magnet in Danbury, Connecticut. Previously he was the Director of the Center for 21st Century Skills at Education Connection as well as a 16-year high school biology and science research teacher. Dr. LaBanca has also taught and supervised research at the university level in both Biology and Educational Leadership. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, whitepapers, and research conference presentations. Having taught well over 2000 students, Dr. LaBanca's most meaningful contribution to education is conducting extended open-inquiry authentic applied research with students. Over his tenure, numerous students have been nationally recognized for their work. He is one of the few public school principals, nationally, that teaches his own class with students. Visit Frank's website Visit his blog Follow him on Twitter Connect with him on LinkedIn
With Haley Higdon of Natural Curiosity How can inquiry-based learning be used in addressing heavy topics like climate change? Why is it so critical to lead with learners' questions and theories? What steps can all educators take to engage with millennia-old Indigenous wisdom? How can Indigenous and non-Indigenous people collaborate on a path toward reconciliation? Haley Higdon, Managing Editor of Natural Curiosity 2nd Edition, joined us to unpack these questions, while also sharing her insights about braiding Indigenous teachings into learning as well as educator stories that resonate strongly in today's world. Guest: Haley Higdon (OCT) is a guest and settler on Turtle Island and is the Program Director of Natural Curiosity, Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Laboratory School, OISE-University of Toronto. She has her BEd and MA in Child Study and Education from the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study at UofT. She has spent the last four years working as the Managing Editor for the development and creation of Natural Curiosity 2nd Edition: The Importance of Indigenous Perspectives in Children's Environmental Inquiry. Haley has extensive experience in supporting educators with incorporating environmental inquiry into their practice.
Guest Bio: Stephanie Rothstein has been an educator for 18 years, is a Mentor, Speaker, Writer, as well as a Google Innovator, Trainer & Coach. She is an EdTech TOSA for Los Gatos Saratoga School District in California, Co-Chair of a Design Thinking pathway and teacher of English 9. Stephanie is most proud of her TedX Talk "My Year of Yes to Me" published on Ted.com; writing multiple articles for Edutopia and more, creating CanWeTalkEDU, and co-founding Global GEG. Episode Summary: In this episode, Stephanie highlights how she engages students in inquiry-based learning by using the 3 Ds. She recently co-wrote an Edutopia article on this subject entitled Discover, Discuss, Demonstrate: Using Inquiry-Based Learning to Keep Students Engaged with Lainie Rowell. If you're looking for tools and strategies you can use tomorrow to garner deeper engagement from students, you're going to love this episode. Timestamps: Twitter for educators - is it worth it? [2:07] How Stephanie's EduTopia article came to be [5:50] Step One - Discover [8:00] What's an EduProtocol? [9:10] What are ThinSlides? [9:36] Creative uses for images to foster discovery [11:14] Discovery in practice: Stephanie's service learning project [12:28] Step Two - Discuss [16:04] FlipGrid for reflection [17:23] Capturing student voice [18:05] Step Three - Demonstrate [20:02] Feedback as a circular process [20:43] Authentic audiences and outside guests [21:20] Stephanie's best takeaway from doing inquiry learning virtually [23:05] What bumper bowling has to do with inquiry-based learning [23:24] Demonstrate in practice: Stephanie's travel blog [54:09] How to remove limiting factors [25:27] Want to be a thought partner with Stephanie? [26:57] Resource Links: Stephanie's Edutopia Article - Discover, Discuss, Demonstrate: Using Inquiry-Based Learning to Keep Students Engaged by Stephanie Rothstein and Lainie Rowell EduProtocols ThinSlides from Steven J. McGriff, Ph.D. and YouTube video for more guidance Question Formulation Technique (aka QFT) FlipGrid Canva AdobeSpark Stephanie's Service Learning Slides Stephanie's Travel Blog Template