Developing Inquiring Minds Viewer's Guide - Curriculum Services ...

OverviewIn this resource you will see students and teachers actively engaged in learningabout learning – all highly reflective, action-oriented and determined tounderstand themselves as key players in the teaching-learning process.They engage in ongoing self-assessment, seek feedback, take action andmonitor their progress in order to move their learning forward. Each memberof the learning community, teachers and students, assumes an inquiry stancethat impacts on his or her thinking and actions.The teachers in this video take a highlyreflective, honest look at their ownpractice and seek ways to change thatwill result in improved student learningand achievement. The teachers build intime to reflect, interact and talk abouttheir work in order to construct newknowledge and understandings. Theyengage in inquiry related to their ownpractice and the needs of their students.For these teachers, teaching becomes veryintentional. Through their design-downplanning and ongoing assessment, theycreate open-ended learning experiencesthat are inclusive of all students. They offerstudents real choice and an opportunity todevelop their own voice. The focus is onlearning the curriculum content usingthe inquiry process and developing digitaland critical literacy.“When teachers join forces withtheir students in the formativeassessment process, their partnershipgenerates powerful learningoutcomes. Teachers become moreeffective, students become activelyengaged and they both becomeintentional learners.”(Brookhart & Moss, 2009)A strong sense of respect exists which empowers students and teachers tofully participate, take risks, and learn from, with and on behalf of each other.Students become more independent, metacognitive and aware of the relevanceand value of what they are learning. Through self-assessment and reflection,students learn to talk about themselves as learners and identify their strengthsand needs.3