INQUIRY

Of all the WICOR strategies, it seems that Inquiry is the most difficult to wrap our heads around.  Additionally, Inquiry is a skill that will advance our students in today's world.   For these reasons, I am going to attempt to provide some suggestions and ideas related to Inquiry.

A definition of Inquiry:

Inquiry is uncovering one's understanding, asking critical questions, engaging in thinking, learning and discussion. Students who inquire analyze and synthesize materials or ideas, clarify their own thinking, probe others' thinking, and work through ambiguity. 

One teaching strategy related to Inquiry:

Philosophical Chairs.  Philosophical chairs is similar to a debate.  A question (with 2 sides or answers) is posed to the students.  Students choose whether they agree or disagree (or they choose an answer to align with).  The students move to the designated side of the classroom; students can be undecided and stay seated in the middle if you choose.  Students on each side take turns defending their position.  Students are allowed to switch sides, or make a choice if they stayed in the middle.  I have used this in math class to discuss possible answers to a question or methods for performing a task.  You can have the students pre-write to organize their thoughts before separating into sides.  You should debrief afterwards to discuss what were convincing arguments.  Having students do a reflection writing afterwards is also good.  One strategy is to assign sides and cause students to think about a different opinion than they may have otherwise.

Resources on the Dashboard:

Explanation

Powerpoint

Rules of Engagement