Why did you choose to be part of this book club?

[Kristin Fontichiaro]

The idea for this book club came out of a Twitter conversation Beth and I, and soon others, were having. But I'm curious to know ... what tickled your fancy about this online adventure?

[Kristin Fontichiaro]

I tend to agree with you. No "tool" can be credited with student learning in isolation!

[Debbie Abilock]

Here's a funny story about comprehension...

We were reading the short story "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" in Lit Club with a group of (probably 10) 3rd and 4th graders. Animated discussion about motivations, questions about greed and the underdog - insights I'd barely considered. As the kids began to leave still talking about the story, one participant turned back to ask, "Oh - by the way - what's a corpse?"

With all those dead bodies in their oil jars...I laugh every time I remember it. One of the reasons I like to start with "fishing" questions: "So, what's interesting? What's puzzling? What do you want to talk about?"

[Brenda D Anderson]

Leslie - I will be reading your book at the same time to get other perspectives. Thanks for being here with us.

[Ernie Cox]

Well, the people are a huge part. I know a few of you and look forward to meeting new folks - all of whom are interested in the topic of inquiry.

I've been using Daniels "Literature Circles" book with literature teachers for a couple of years. It has moved many of our teachers and students into higher levels of thinking and discussion around great fiction. One of the roles in these circles is the "investigator". This was a role I have always been intrigued by in this setting and thought it could go deeper - hoping that is what this book will offer.

I want to get myself as well versed around the topic of inquiry as possible for several reasons. 1.) to move my school toward a community wide use of inquiry 2.) be better prepared to train future T-L in my post PhD studies career 3.) facilitate more discussion and use of inquiry by practicing T-Ls.

Also, I've never taken part in an online book discussion group and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.

[Gretchen Hazlin]

I can echo many of the reasons that other people have already stated! I'm in a middle school and I want to encourage a more inquiry-based approach with my teachers. We feed into a high school with an IB program and my kids need to think in this way to be successful.

I haven't received my copy yet, but I also like what I've read about this book -- reseach-based, readable, lots of practical applications.

And, I'm looking forward to my first online book club!

[Elfin]

Like my fellow colleague, I would love to explore more on the application of Inquiry Learning in school curriculum. I do believe that it's the trend of education and so I have to prepare myself on it so I can pass it to my school teachers. Perhaps I will set it as one of my targets for the next year work target.

Besides, it's the first time for me to join the virtual book club on professional development with collaborating ideas with TL from around the world. It's an amazing learning journey for me.

I have just ordered my book and I look forward to contributing ideas to our group.

[Mary J. Johnson]

I learned of this book club via Twitter, and I thought it would be an opportunity to connect with others interested in the inquiry process. I've heard of Stephanie Harvey through positive comments about her presentations in Colorado. I've also read Leslie Maniotes' book--twice--and I like hanging out with Leslie online and in person! I think it will be useful to study different perspectives on inquiry and to become more knowledgeable about ways to apply inquiry models, particularly (in my case) to learning with primary sources.

[Paula Daubert]

In the introduction of the book, the author mentions a video to accompany the book. It's supposed to come out in Fall 2009. Did it, or is it still in the making?

[Kristin Fontichiaro]

Heinemann.com says that there are two DVDs that came out in late October: one for elementary, and one for secondary.

[Beth Friese]

Hi everyone. Sorry I've missed so much of the discussion.

I teach my preservice K-5 teachers about Literature Circles, and I also like Stephanie Harvey's work. So, the two of them together seemed like a good pairing. I am hoping the book is great, but also hope we will all be reading against the text as well. I opened the book and read a couple of things on the first page that made me question. Should be a lively discussion.

Im excited we are doing this as a group. At the National Reading Conference, which I attended last week, there was a LOT of interest in the way professional learning is taking place online (but not much research yet, especially across long distances, and self-directed as well). I was really excited when I thought about this group, which came together quickly and with such enthusiasm.

Beth

[Andrea Walker]

Yes, it seems like a hot topic at present, certainly has struck a cord with me. Seems to me this is what learning should be all about, relevant, on-time, shared and supported. That's what I'm looking forward to, just wish my book would arrive so I could get started.........hang on.....guess I already have started. Guess this is the pre-inquiry, building motivation and interest stage. Well done Beth for initiating this group.

[Andrea Walker]

I work in a school where Inquiry underpins all that we do. It is an IB school that offers all 3 programmes (PYP, MYP & DP). Of course we are all at different levels of understanding but I want to improve my knowledge so that as a TL I can best support and lead in the field.