"The ISP is a process of seeking meaning not just finding and reproducing information."
What is Inquiry Learning?
The development of innovative and powerful pedagogy centering
on inquiry is increasingly seen as a key to rethinking, re-imagining and
transforming schooling, and a key to engaging learners to succeed as citizens
and workers in a globalised and interconnected world. (Todd, 2010)
‘Savery (2006), posits that inquiry-based learning is ‘a
students-centered, active learning approach focused on questions, critical
thinking, and problem-solving... creating new knowledge as information is
gathered and understood, discussing discoveries and experiences, and reflecting
on new-found knowledge' (pg 16 : Savery, JR 2006, Overview of problem-based
Learning)’ (Todd, 2010, p. 2)
Curriculum-based inquiry units build deep knowledge and deep
understanding of a curriculum topic, and gradually lead towards independent
learning (Kuhlthau et al. 2007). When engaging in an inquiry process, students formulate
questions, gather data and information to formulate hypotheses based on their
questions and present their findings. Through this process, students develop a deep
understanding and knowledge of the curriculum topic, as well as developing the
skills, abilities and habits of the mind to engage in future curriculum-based
inquiries. (Todd, 2010)
Why Inquiry Learning?
The Australian Curriculum states,
Each year level from
Foundation to Year 10 includes key inquiry questions that provide a framework
for developing students’ historical knowledge, understanding and skills. (The Australian Curriculum History, 2012, p2)
The process of historical inquiry develops transferable skills, such as
the ability to ask relevant questions; critically analyse and interpret
sources; consider context; respect and explain different perspectives; develop
and substantiate interpretations, and communicate effectively. (The Australian Curriculum History, 2012, p1)
Inquiry is an approach to learning whereby students find and
use a variety of sources of information and ideas to increase their
understanding of a problem, topic or issue. It espouses investigation,
exploration, search, quest, research, pursuit and study. Inquiry does not stand
alone, it engages, interests and challenges students to connect their world
with the curriculum.
Why the Information Search Process?
The Information Search
Process was developed by Carol Kuhlthau, based on research relating to students seeking meaning from an
overabundance of information. It looks at the feelings, thoughts and actions of
the learner and notes that information seeking is a process of construction. The
Information Search Process (ISP) presents a holistic view of information
seeking from the user’s perspective in six stages: 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)
The role of the Teacher
Librarian is essential in the planning and facilitating of the inquiry to
ensure meaningful learning. The power of Web 2.0 to assist learning and make the “shift
in focus from finding locating and evaluating information to one of using
information, creating knowledge and sharing of ideas”. (Todd)
The school library as a learning commons shows:
- Learners actively searching for meaning and understanding
- Learners constructing knowledge rather than passively receiving it
- Learners directly involved and engaged in the discovery of new knowledge
- Learners encountering alternative perspectives and conflicting ideas
- Learners transferring new knowledge and skills to new circumstances
- Learners taking ownership and responsibility for mastery of curriculum content and skills
(Ross Todd Aug 2008)
Resources for teachers
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