Five Tips to Managing an INQUIRY Based Classroom!

If you haven't heard of inquiry, then you haven't been listening at your staff meetings. Inquiry and inquiry based teaching seem like the new buzz word/phrases in education this year. Now I've been teaching for nine years and lots of words come and go, is this one here to stay? Who knows, but I can tell you I absolutely love this model of teaching. My students are thinking for themselves, engaged in their work, proud of their accomplishments, and have become better communicators! Want to try it out in your classroom? Below are FIVE tips to get started. Please note, I am not an expert, but as a newbie, I am happy to share what I learned this year!

#1. Student independence is a huge piece of inquiry. This not only refers to independent actions, but it also refers to independent thoughts. When we encourage students to think on their own, we really are encouraging them to wonder and inquire about the world around them without worrying about the right answer or what the teacher will say. When students express and explore their own thoughts, their learning takes place at a much deeper level. Creating an independent classroom environment empowers the learner, allowing them to extend their learning beyond the given task.

#2. The teacher is still involved. Keep the lesson short, don't give everything away. Allow the

students to want to create and explore questions in their heads and out loud. Let me start by saying an inquiry based independent classroom is NOT a free for all. The teacher doesn't sit behind the desk and browse Facebook all day, but instead the teacher learns with the students and checks in on groups at all times. Sometimes, during scientific investigations, I like to sit a student desk and see learning through the students' eyes. Do I stay in that one space? No, but it is a great place to blend in and really listen to student discussions.

#3. Be ready for NOISE. Self discovery is great, but students communicating and problem solving TOGETHER is even better. After all, aren't we trying to teach students content as well as life skills. So much can come from a student verbally explaining his/her thinking. Through trial and error this year, I've found out that a strong inquiry based classroom works cooperatively, understanding that two heads are better than one. Often, the teacher is the last resort resources, due to the fact that independent students enjoy seeking and finding answers on their own. 

#4. Get organized! Students will be using classroom materials and the cooperation of their peers to solve problems. When puzzled or stumped, students are able to direct themselves to a resource that will help them to solve their problem or answer their question. Accessing books or information on computers or tablets is a part of everyday life in an independent classroom. These materials should be in a consistent locations that is accessible to all students. Getting students in the routine to get their own materials is a huge step to independence. It may take double the time, but it will be worth it in the long run.

#5. Model, model, and model again! In fact, even try to role play a scenario. Some students may think it is silly, but before long, you will notice students mimicking your actions and dialogue. Getting students to speak academically to each other to find answers and gain perspective from their classmates, is a HUGE goal of mine. Seriously though, if I hear, "Can you help me get the thingy to work, my group is stuck?" one more time, I will fall over. Academic vocabulary comes from modeling everyday. Turn it into a game, have students copy down vocabulary words, role play scenarios, do anything to get the student to start speaking like a student.

Still need some more guidance? Check out my science unit on Force & Motion. It contains specific directions, print outs, examples of anchor charts, and student samples for FIVE different investigations. I've been so happy reading feedback from other science teachers that said this unit has helped with inquiry and making science fun and hands on for their students.

I know that seems like a dream, and it won't happen over night, but don't give up. Try, try, and try again. If it doesn't work the first time, refocus yourself and your class and model some more.  Just this year I stopped being so Type A, and let go of some of the control in my classroom. It is the most I've ever seen my students grow and we still have TEN weeks of school left. My fourth graders will make their fifth graders teachers proud next year! :)