I can’t wait for the next school year to begin! 

Yes, yes, yes. I could have sat back and simply dusted off the same-old plans that I used last year. 

But, if you’ve read any of my blog posts, you’ll know that’s not how I roll.

Instead, I spent the last seven weeks reflecting on last year, thinking of ways to make my instruction more inquiry-based and student-centered. I read the book A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas by Warren Berger. I surfed Reddit for interesting prompts and articles, and I scoured social media sites, like Threads and Blue Sky, looking for inspiration and ideas from other change-oriented educators.

While this is still a work in progress, here’s what I am thinking when it comes to exploring new topics and ideas with my students this new year:

1. Share guiding questions about the topic with my students

2. Students then create their own questions, targeting different levels of thinking (this occurs early as well as throughout the process)

– basic (summarize/list), 

– complex (analysis & synthesis), 

– advanced (evaluation)

3. Work through the topic: 

– explore articles, videos, and other resources about the topic

– students work on my guiding questions

– students work on their own questions (here they will conduct independent research – with the key being to FIND SUPPORTING EVIDENCE!)

4. Students “present” their findings, additional questions, and connections in a variety of modes (offering options and choices):

– group discussion

– presentation

– writing assignment

– video, other…?

5. Together we think of action opportunities:

– what can we do with this new knowledge?

– how does it connect with your life experience; the world today?

Embracing this inquiry-based approach opens up a world of possibilities, allowing students to play a larger role in their learning and discovering knowledge through their own unique lenses. Nevertheless, as I embark on this exciting journey, I have to remind myself not to expect perfection right away. Education is a perpetual work in progress. Just as the curious minds of our students continue to explore and grow, so too must our instructional methods and assessment practices evolve to meet unforeseen circumstances and the ever-changing needs of the students.

The best teachers are always on a “quest” for knowledge – never quite reaching a destination, but always uncovering new wonders along the way. 

Happy questing!

Ed X!