Inquiry: From the Archives

Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute, 26 seconds (287 words)

Primary Audience: Classroom Teachers, Literacy Coaches

A Backstory

One of the most eye opening texts I read as a graduate student in my teacher education program was Inquiry as Stance: Practitioner Research for the Next Generation by Marilyn Cochran-Smith and Susan L. Lytle. In it, I learned how fundamental inquiry is to education in general, and to the teaching and learning process in particular. When confronted with a problem of practice, a teacher or student can ask authentic questions of themselves, their work, their peers, or their colleagues. They can conduct classroom-based research, analyze evidence, and implement meaningful changes based on their findings and discoveries.

Why it Matters

Although I have not gotten to the intensive research phase, I like to think that I have an inquiry “stance” and a reflective practice. When faced with a teaching or classroom challenge, I usually begin with questions, leading me to probe deeper into what is going well and what is not working. Knowing what I don’t know is as important as knowing what I do know. My goal is always to wonder, and in the act of wondering, I find a way to uncover some kind of new knowledge, insight, or direction forward.

From the Archives

For this From the Archives post, I have chosen pieces that provide a variety of interesting perspectives on how inquiry can be used in the writing classroom. Some share ways that teachers can use inquiry to help them ask questions, conduct research, or shift methodologies, allowing them to reflect upon and improve their teaching and instructional practices. Others offer student-directed paths toward inquiry that can help them gain focus and deepen their own knowledge and understanding of themselves as learners and writers. I hope you will find these past posts as useful and meaningful as I do.

Using Inquiry to Lift Language Conventions

"When using inquiry, we not only follow the path brain research has carved out for us as educators, but we allow for improvement and growth that each student is ready to make." -Lanny Ball

Inquiry Minilessons: Beyond the Fundamentals of Writing Workshop

"Inquiry minilessons are opportunities for a whole class to explore answers to a teacher-posed question." -Stacey Shubitz

A Deep Dive Into One Spectacular Mentor Text

"My stance is one of inquiry, supporting young readers and writers in making meaning and drawing significance from mentor texts that they can apply to their own work." -Amy Ellerman

Let’s Get Curious! Using Appreciative Inquiry in the Writing Classroom

"Appreciate inquiry is a natural extension of using an asset lens. The key is to make sure there is a strong connection between what is noticed and what you imagine teaching next." -Pam Koutrakos

Inquiry-Based Centers in Grades 3-8

"Inquiry-based centers are a nice way to introduce kids to mentor texts and to help them find their own mentor texts." -Stacey Shubitz

Feature Article Inquiry

"This kind of inquiry based learning always makes me smile. It is exciting to watch students learn through discovery. They become energized and excited about the upcoming writing project." -Ruth Ayres

**TWO WRITING TEACHERS WINTER RECESS**

We are taking a blogging break through 1/1/24. We’ll see you in the new year!