Inquiry+Learning

I am learning how to use this wiki thing so I hope it is okay that I created a link for this idea. Many of our conversations today included the idea that the technologies cannot in and of themselves create a 21st century learner. First the Iowa Core and now the Model Core includes several ways to teach and ways to learn that are going to be important for our students as they enter the 21st century workforce. The ways teachers ask questions, allow for questioning and discussion within the classroom culture, and present materials are as important as the material covered.

The definition of inquiry based learning: Inquiry based learning is mainly involving the learner and leading him to understand. Inquiry here implies on the possessing skills and attitude of yours, which allows you to ask questions about new resolutions and issues while you are gaining new information. Dictionary meaning of Inquiry is seeking knowledge, information, or truth through questioning. All the people carry on with this process throughout their life, even if you might find it not very much reflecting. For example, infants use inquiry to build their sense of the world, the babies turn towards voices, put things in their mouths, grasp things, and observe faces that come near. The inquiry process is mainly the gathering of data and information and applying them to senses like smelling, tasting, touching, hearing and seeing. (according to the website: http://www.teach-nology.com/currenttrends/inquiry/ ) if you are interested in reading more....

Here is a link to the model core for Iowa under standards for mathematical practice, all of which include the ideas expressed in inquiry process. http://educateiowa.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2245&Itemid=4346

A resource that I am especially looking at is CorePlus mathematics, a text that teaches through problem solving and investigation. The Price Lab School in Cedar Falls uses this and I posted both email correspondence I've had with Price Lab under Discussion.

Here, also is my graduate research on problem based instructional tasks if you want a little light reading :)