There are a number of topics that I will need to blog about during the course of this unit. They include:
- my use of data bases and search strategies, using table, mind-maps and screencast videos to document my learning
- learning experiences when giving and receiving peer feedback and when undertaking tutorial tasks
- description, analysis and report of the ILA
- an analysis of information I have found by presenting it as an annotated bibliography
- recommendations and reflections once I have finished all the tasks required
To help keep track of changes experienced during the unit I will complete a questionnaire at the beginning, middle and end of this learning adventure. I will ask the same of my students during their 'learning adventure'.
So here's my answers to Questionnaire 1.
1. Take some time to think about your topic. Now write down what you know about it.
I feel as if I don’t really know much about Inquiry learning at all, although I should, because I was a Science teacher in a previous life (well only about a year ago actually) and the “Inquiry” method is very much a part of Science. I’m sure the more I read about it, the more familiar it will seem ... well I hope so anyway. I also know that Carol Kuhlthau started developing it 30 years ago. Last semester I was part of a group that developed a blog site to assist the teachers of primary school History students. The blog site is here. This blog assists teachers to develop an ISP or Information Search Process consisting of 6 steps: task initiation, selection, exploration, focus formulation, collection and presentation. The six stage model of the ISP incorporates three realms of experience: the affective (feelings) the cognitive (thoughts) and the physical (actions) common to each stage. (Kuhlthau, 2012). So, looking back on what I’ve written here I suppose I know a fair amount really; time will tell.
2. How interested are you in this topic? Circle the answer that
best matches your interest:
Not at all Not much Quite a bit A great deal
3. How much do you know about this topic? Circle the answer
that best matches how much you know:
Not at all Not much Quite a bit A great deal
4. When you do research, what do you generally find easy to do?
Please list as many things as you like.
I find it quite easy to source the appropriate information. I also have a fair idea of databases and logical steps to take when searching for information.
5. When you do research, what do you generally find difficult
to do? Please list as many things as you like.
I tend to let information “run away” with me. I get sidetracked quite easily because everything seems so fascinating. I usually find it hard to “zone in” on the topic until I am under pressure to finish on time. Then I find it hard to stop and take a break occasionally!
