Project Based Learning with Ellen Smith

          Over the past several weeks I have developed my understanding of inquiry based learning from simply a component connected to project and problem based learning to an entity of its own.   It became a more complex experience involving the development of a question, the full investigation process, and a clear presentation of the answers with evidence .        As time goes on, I am learning there are more pieces that fit into the inquiry based learning puzzle. For example, the importance of assessing the amount of prior knowledge a student comes in with.   A teacher needs to determine preconceptions a student comes in with about a topic before it is learned, misconceptions, and how much accuracy their information contains. This way, the learning and inquiry process can be guided, explained, and explored in the right direction.         I always knew that students need to be engaged in a le...

       When I first came into this course a few short weeks ago, I thought of inquiry-based learning as  part  of  project-based learning.   I thought of it as simply learning through solving a problem, finding a  solution,   or answering a question.   After reading the course material and discussion posts, I have a  much clearer  and wider picture of what inquiry-based learning really is.        The most important thing that I realized is it is not about the outcome. It is about the process.  All of the “things” that go into finding a solution. The components to taking part in an investigation.  What students do with their mind, the habits of the mind, the unteachable skills, thinking skills, and the desire to learn are all important components of inquiry-based environments. In addition to those aspects, the environment around the students must be suitable for the students to lear...

     Inquiry Based Learning   I came into this course believing that inquiry based learning was a component of project based learning. You start with a question and work toward a solution.   After reading the material this week, I have learned that there is much more to inquiry based learning than meets the eye.        For one, teachers need to add the “Whaaa” factor.   They need to make answering questions and learning new things exciting. If they show enthusiasm for learning, hopefully that enthusiasm will carry over to the students.   I am looking forward to using the technique of asking the students what they would like to know, instead of what DO they know about a topic (Edutopia, 2016).   I believe it gives them more ownership in the question and they are more likely interested in seeking out an answer.      While both types of learning are student-centered and work on problem solving and crit...