The most common misconception about inquiry learning is that children should learn to answer their own questions through a research process. Inquiry is actually a learning process based on the constructivist theory of learning. In constructivism, teachers guide thinking and develop learners abilities to make sense of their learning, and increasingly, take ownership of their learning. It is easy to say what inquiry should look like. But what strategies can teachers use to engage learners in inquiry and constructing learning?
Kirsten Durward
Born in Scotland and raised around the world, Kirsten is a truly global thinker. Her educational training spans Scotland, USA, Australia and more. She undertook MA studies in International Education with Bath University.
After 27 years of international education experience across 7 countries and leadership positions in 5 schools, she now works as an independent consultant, creating individually tailored PD for schools, developing online learning events and coaching educators. Her educational interests range through assessment based practice, responsive teaching, conceptual transdisciplinary learning, constructivist inquiry practices, up levelling technology for learning, developing writing structures and mathematical understandings. Her passions though are driving collaboration, uplifting teacher voice, and spreading good practice.
Kirsten is a PYP workshop leader and online facilitator for the International Baccalaureate. She is also a Concept Based Curriculum and Instruction trainer in the Lynn Erickson approach and a trained cognitive coach. As the founder of one of the most popular educator professional learning networks on Facebook, she supports 130,000 global educators to share resources and support and inspire one another. All are welcome to join the group and take advantage of the network. Global Educator Collective. Connect with Kirsten on Twitter @LearnerFocused where she loves to share and learn
