Lesson Planning for Inquiry-based Lessons (Blog Post #6)

Inquiry learning is a way of learning in which engaging experiential learning and community outreach is an integral component of instruction and assessment. 

~ Danielle Armstrong   

I recently participated in a professional learning session on inquiry-based instruction and it was very eye-opening.  I experienced three forms of inquiry learning: structured, guided and open.  Prior to this session, I did not understand that there are different levels of exposure to this process. Now I am considering how this will impact my lesson planning. 

Learning about Argumentation,Discorse and Inquiry-based learning with the wonderful teachers of DCSD!!! @DeKalbSchools @DCSDSTEM pic.twitter.com/59I2m52WCI

— Danielle Armstrong (@DanielleDda28) June 5, 2018

I am currently designing three mini-lessons on force, mass and motion for an 8th grade physical science class.  To add to the lessons authenticity, I plan to include an engaging scenario that allows my students to use their understanding of the concepts in a way that allows for choice and creativity. Engaging the students with the task of being a modern-day toymaker, will provide for multiple opportunities for engagement, action and representation.  With the goal to elicit deep understanding of the concepts, I will include strategies that allow students to not only express their understanding, but evaluate the ideas of their peers, revise ideas and offer an excellent opportunity for authentic assessment. Technology will not only be used to present information, but to document evidence, provide feedback to others and to share ideas with the digital community with the incorporation of web 2.0 tools.

The use of technology in the mini-lessons provides a seamless incorporation of many of the principles of inquiry.  Communication with experts will require the use of technical tools that will enhance student digital fluency skills.  The use of Skype will allow me to communicate with toymakers globally to assist with refining the rubric and critique student ideas in real time. A class discussion is featured daily to provide the opportunity for students to express their understanding of the importance of ethical citizenship. 

It is so refreshing to share my ideas with you. Incorporating all of the standards, models and principles can seem daunting, but being able to get feedback from fellow educators will ensure that my students are experiencing true inquiry-based learning. In other words, provide suggestions and feedback in the comments section below.   Stay tuned for future posts with links to my lessons. 

Personal Goal Setting- Self-Check #1 (Blog #5)

A major element in both improving intellectually and emotionally involves the formation of personal goals. The video Carol Dweck: Mindset Interview provides a great overview of how remembering that with perseverance and a positive attitude, anything can be accomplished.  Understanding that the brain can grow with training is the ultimate key in reaching any goal.  Earlier this semester, I created some personal goals for myself. In pursuit of reaching my digital fluency goals, it is time to complete a self-check to determine how far I have come in reaching my goals.

Goal 1: How do I know if the information I am finding is a reputable source?

Currently I search for references in many of the blogs and infographics I find.  As I review my list of sites, many are from vetted sources, but I must admit, sites such as Edutopia or NSTA, I do not review the sources or question the information as much.  Also, I can not reference many of the infographics I have on my Pinterest boards.  After this self-check, I will use the Digital Information Fluency Model to guide me in measuring my progress. I need to continue to progress towards summarizing my sources and supporting them with resource validation (a new goal!).  I like the way Robin Good set up his PLN to include summaries and references. 

Goal 2: How can I catalog my resources so that I can find them easily to share them with others? 

As I am progressing in this area, I also realized that I have been doing this in various forms prior to setting this goal.  My preferred curation site is Pinterest.  I have several boards with information that I refer to and share with friends and colleagues. I share news, politics and recipes on my Facebook page, but do not have them cataloged through personal groups or pages. I have been sharing information via Google+ and Twitter and will increase my postings.  I now have a Symbaloo account and am using it to store and catalog important sites.

Goal 3: How can I share my creations with others?

This is one of my most lofty goals.  I am a collector by nature, but sharing is something I am progressing toward.  Currently, I only have a few Twitter followers, but it is increasing.  The more pertinent information I share, the more retweets and the followers will come.  I am also posting more frequently on Google+ and my followers have increased.  I need to do more research in this area in the upcoming weeks to increase the impact of what I am sharing to increase the number of people I can support.

In these short four weeks, I learned a lot and curated just as much.  It is amazing the way technology has enabled us to save all the great information out there. I truly appreciate the individuals that have organized it and shared it with the world to make all our lives easier.  I am excited about becoming a curation hero, sharing vetted information with all of those that choose to benefit from it…. (cue Star Trek theme song)!