Tip: Spectrum of Inquiry > Mixed: Guided

SKU:

With closed projects, the teacher defines the question, process, and conclusion; whereas, an open lesson allows learners to take the reins to define the question, process, and conclusion (Banchi & Bell, 2008). To move a lesson to student-owned on the Spectrum of Inquiry (bit.ly/eMINTSInquiry), teachers can gradually give the students more control over the key features. The process can be gradual to scaffold students to more autonomous learning. Each week this month, we are providing tips to open up your lesson on the Spectrum of Inquiry.


In Guided Inquiry, the teacher only assigns the question. The learner is responsible for writing the process for the project and drawing the conclusion.


Here are some tips for changes to push Guided inquiry to Open: 

  1. Question: Brainstorm with learners. - Brainstorm variants or more specific versions of the main teacher-written question.
  2. Process: Allow time to tinker. - Find safe materials and protect time to explore their tangential ideas beyond the process you expect.
  3. Conclusion: Ask them why. - Since they are drawing the conclusion, let the learners determine the data they want to support it with to give them the power to make it meaningful.


View previous tips on the Spectrum of Inquiry: bit.ly/eMINTSInquiryTips.


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View/Download the Spectrum of Inquiry > Mixed: Guided Tip Card.