Inquiry+Framework

This page looks at the larger framework of learning process that we are journeying through in this unit. It may be of interest to your parents as well as to you, as it demonstrates to all some of the current learning theory that influences how teachers teach these days.

As we work to develop our classroom resource on this site, we will go through the "information search process", which is characterized by the following steps and feelings outlined on our World Lit Community Site, [|here].

Don't worry if you feel lost in deciding how to proceed: Ask questions, get help: Every step you take to find the support you need is a step that "you own"--a step you will remember. Use your initiative and know that "there are no dumb questions".

The bigger process of inquiry that you will be working through in the course of this unit, is one you may have seen before in other years and in other courses. It is a process that underpins much of what we teach and learn here in Alberta. The curricular document that supports our work with inquiry is [|Focus on Inquiry].

[|This document] compares four different "tried-and-true" and clearly very much overlapping approaches to the inquiry process.

Our unit has been structured with the Inquiry framework in mind. See the [|inquiry unit plan.]

Alberta Learning, 2004. //Focus On Inquiry.//

Because the inquiry framework is recursive, you are being challenged to exercise your skills at different places within the inquiry process, sometimes with more support, sometimes without this support being as readily available. Like learning to ride a bike, you practise with training wheels, then without. The main assignments in this unit are structured to push you towards become a more independent and thoughtful learner, even in a collaborative situation: