In class we had Trevor Mackenzie speak inquiry-based learning by using a graphic of a pool with four different depths representing the teacher to student involvement ratio (see featured image). Trevor helped us visualize the teacher-student joint involvement in inquiry-based learning and when it was appropriate to use the different stages of inquiry.
Trevor did not only explain the different levels of inquiry he also explained the characteristics of an inquiry classroom with a visual that both students and teachers can understand (found just below). Trevor had us reflect on which characteristic we would have a hard time promoting in our classroom. I found that number 6 “make research meaningful & develop strong research skills” would be the most difficult for me as I don personally have great research skills so it would be hard for me to model in the classroom.
A major point of interest for me was Trevor Mackenzie’s use of visuals and more specifically provocations. Provocations are images that help students to ask questions often at the start of a unit accompanied with questions like what do you notice? or what do you wonder? I decided to find some provocations similar to the ones Trevor showed us.
I found the provocation above on Unsplash Posted by Daria Nepriakhina. I believe this provocation is a play on ‘All We Need is Love’ by the beetles to represent the generation’s focus on social media attention. This may be a useful provocation to use in a unit on modern media.
Featured image credit to Trevor Mackenzie retrieved from https://www.trevormackenzie.com/