Pennsylvania Agriculture Inquiry Institute

Inquiry Institute at the Penn Stater

It's Week 12! Over the past two days, #psuaged22 had the privilege to be able to participate in the Pennsylvania Agriculture Inquiry Institute facilitated by Jessica Grundy. This professional development opportunity allowed us to learn about the Inquiry process as a way to engage students in critical thinking and experiential learning. We were also led through a series of lessons that we are able to use in the classroom to utilize the Inquiry process. 

After reflecting on this experience, I love that Inquiry is a fantastic way to engage every learner in the classroom. Not only did Jessica share with us lessons that we can use in the classroom, but she also gave her personal testimony as to why this teaching style works for her and her students. Inquiry allows every learner to have a hand in the learning process. While it challenges academically gifted students to think for themselves instead of regurgitate information, it also allows students in Special Education to exercise autonomy in their learning experience through hands-on activities and opportunities to engage in the Scientific Method with their peers. Jessica allows her students to make their own textbooks by utilizing lab notebooks where they record challenge questions, brainstorming sessions, hypotheses, data, and conclusions. To simplify grading, she awards stamps for these entries, taking the time to develop personal connections with her students through conversations about their thoughts and findings during the Inquiry process. 

Looking toward my Student Teaching Internship, I am excited to utilize Inquiry with my students. I appreciated how this technique engages all learners and allows the teacher to deepen relationships with their students through conversation. I found my teaching methods thrive in student led activities, so I believe Inquiry will allow me to shine through my students. As I begin teaching in the Spring, I hope to incorporate a few of the activities we engaged in at the Inquiry Institute in my instruction. How do you utilize Inquiry in the classroom?

P.S. This week will will be talking about Literacy Strategies and I am excited to utilize Inside-Outside circles in the classroom!

'Taylor'ed with love,