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What is NOT inquiry?

OK, we've all seen stuff labeled as inquiry that is NOT inquiry. As we continue to build our group definition, what actions/activities/statements are examples of "NOT inquiry"?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kelly Brannock on December 5, 2009 at 11:05am

worksheets, scripted instruction, AR tests, copy & paste "research" projects with questions selected by the teacher (Loertscher's Bird Units), and lecture . . . are just a few of the activities that rush to the front of my mind. These are the easy obvious ones.

Now I'm wondering how much of what I do that seems like "enlightened" instruction to me is really non-inquiry??

Permalink Reply by DebH2U on December 8, 2009 at 5:01pm

NOT inquiry is most of what we see in schools these days in preparation for testing: teacher (or District- or state-) directed work based on academic plans and textbooks selected by committees and departments. Individuals working alone with collaborative tools banned. Scripted, fast-paced coverage of content without regard to process of learning. At least, that's what I see and it's killing real learning.

Permalink Reply by Debbie Abilock on December 9, 2009 at 5:49am

"Not inquiry" can be questions - leading questions, grilling questions, dutiful questions.

Permalink Reply by Paula Daubert on December 11, 2009 at 7:46pm

Short answers to questions that go nowhere or have any application to real-life situations.

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