This week we discussed and explored how to be good critical thinkers. Sounds easy, but it takes work! We learned about asking three levels of questions and how those three levels are different. Level 1 questions are often “closed” questions but they can also be questions that have easy to find answers. For example “Is there artificial colour in Fruit Loops? Or Where is the corn in Corn Flakes grown?” Level 2 questions involve preference. For example “Which do you like better – hot or cold cereal?” Level 3 questions are deep-thinking and require considering both perspectives prior to forming an opinion. Students also have to determine the criteria that they use to form their opinion. For example: Should junk food be avoided in schools? Or “Should cereal companies do more to promote exercise?” Level 3 questions are questions that will lead to inquiry in our classroom. "Students learn more deeply when they can apply classroom-gathered knowledge to real-world problems, and when they take part in projects that require sustained engagement and collaboration." (source: http://www.edutopia.org/inquiry-project-learning-research). Looking forward to inquiry in the weeks/months ahead :) | The essence of inquiry … “Inquiry ... requires more than simply answering questions or getting a right answer. It espouses investigation, exploration, search, quest, research, pursuit, and study. It is enhanced by involvement with a community of learners, each learning from the other in social interaction.” (Kuklthau, Maniotes & Caspari, 2007, p. 2) |
- Terry Fox Run on Wednesday Sept 30
- A visit from Candidate Aldag Thursday Oct 1