Learning & Teaching

TERM 2 INQUIRY 

What is Inquiry-Based Learning? 

Inquiry-based learning is an educational approach that places an emphasis on student-driven exploration and investigation. Instead of simply receiving information, students actively participate in the learning process by asking questions, conducting research, and drawing conclusions. This approach aims to foster critical thinking skills, curiosity, and a deep understanding of the subject matter.

When we complete an Inquiry unit students follow this process: 

In the classroom the students' learning follows the following stages in the inquiry cycle. They are encouraged to answer questions and share their learning from each part of the process. Here are some of the questions posed in each stage of the inquiry cycle: 

Tuning in: 

• What do I know about the topic? 
• What experience do I have with this topic? 
• What do I want to know? 
• What are my questions? 

Finding out: 

• Where might I go to find out more information? 
• What resources might I use? 
• What can I do to learn more? 

Sorting out: 

• What information helps answer my questions? 
• How can I sort the information I have found? 
• What are the questions I have? Have they changed? 

Going further: 

• What information can I share? 
• Are all my questions answered? 
• Have I found enough information? 
• How do I want to show what I have learned? 

Making conclusions: 

• What am I going to do with the information I have learned? 
• What would I do differently if I completed this unit again? 
• Have I shared what I have learned with others effectively? 

Taking action: 

• How can I improve my learning? 
• How am I going to take action to improve my learning? 
• How am I going to use what I have learned to make a difference?

What is our Inquiry Focus in Term 2: 

This term our whole-school inquiry topic is ‘Health’. Our focus question throughout all grades is: 

“How can we be Healthy, Safe and Active?’

Each class in the school has their own set of probing questions that they will work towards answering throughout their Inquiry unit this term. See figure below to see what probing questions your children will be aiming to answer:

Asking your child about their learning at school is a great way to show interest in their education and to support their academic growth. By asking about what they are learning and getting them to share it allows for their knowledge to strengthen. If you are looking for some questions to speak to your child about to talk more about school try a couple of these at the dinner table: