Reflection is a valuable tool used to assess what I have learned and to help me decide where I am headed. Being a lifelong learner, I am constantly reflecting on what is working and what areas need to be addressed. I predominantly perform this analysis in my head and am finding the idea of blogging about it quite daunting, hence the late entry.
Information Learning Activity
Science, at the upper primary level, is fascinating to be a part of. I am fortunate enough this year to be able to work with the Primary Investigations unit, 'It's Electrifying!'. The students have been performing hands on investigations, making observations and drawing conclusions. Primary Connections uses the 5 E's inquiry process: engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate.
Question Time - What am I learning?
1) What do I know about my topic?
I have been using an inquiry model myself for many years without really realising it. As children, we often wonder why things are the way they are or how things work. I have always had an inquiring mind and love to ask questions. Questions play a major role in most inquiry models. Science tends to lend itself well to inquiry as scientists are always trying to find answers and embark on new research. In the past, I have used the Primary Investigations resources that are also based around inquiry. I have observed students eagerly engaging in hands on activities but have never delved into the research that supports inquiring learning to find out more.
2) How interested are you in this topic?
Science, at the upper primary level, can be both exciting and frightening. Using an inquiry model means that students can perform investigations they are genuinely interested in. Learning more about ways to actively engage students in the classroom, is definitely a topic of interest to me.
3)How much do you know about this topic?
Having used inquiry learning tasks in the past, I have some prior knowledge on the topic although I am excited to gain a better understanding of the process and how best to support students on their journey.
4) When researching, what do I find easy to do?
Questioning!! I am always full of questions. Sometimes I find I have too many questions and lose focus of the topic. I find it easy to become immersed in all of the literature that is available. I generally am quick to determine if a resource is suitable or not.
5)When researching, what do I find difficult to do?
Referencing all the wonderful information I gather. I find this very time consuming. I find organising my thoughts in a logical sequence to be difficult at times. Figuring out the best way to group the information I find, can be difficult.
