My investigation into Inquiry Learning focussed on how to improve the effectiveness of this pedagogical strategy in the classroom. Based on my previous experiences, I do not feel like I have had great success in using inquiry-based learning with my students in the past. As a result of my research, I have realised that I had a very limited understanding of the concept and how to best implement it. However, I now feel more confident in using inquiry in my classroom with a wider range of strategies to ensure it effectively engages students and develops their understanding and skills. Realising that inquiry learning does not need to be a huge, project-based experience separate to the curriculum will allow me to incorporate elements of inquiry into every lesson. It is now a less overwhelming prospect.
In addition to improving my understanding of Inquiry Learning and its use in the classroom, I have also gained an insight into potential challenges my students will face in their own inquiries. Kuhlthau explains that the stages of the Information Seeking Process correlate with accompanying feelings of uncertainty or frustration through to satisfaction, disappointment or accomplishment. A person progresses through these stages as they go from a vague to focussed understanding of the topic. Kuhlthau's analysis is certainly relevant to my own experience. My limited understanding of Inquiry Learning left me feeling unmotivated and overwhelmed initially and caused frustration and disappointment when I was unable to find the types of sources I wanted. Much to my surprise, the most useful sources I found were through Twitter searches. By the end of my inquiry, I had a sense of accomplishment and certainly, a better understanding of what Inquiry Learning looks like in reality.
Being forewarned is to be forearmed. My own experiences with Inquiry Learning will help me to support students as they progress through the various stages of the Information Seeking Process. Having an understanding of the feelings they might be experiencing at different points will ensure I can use targeted strategies to re-motivate and re-engage students in their inquiry. I look forward to introducing inquiry back into my classroom and making use of the new techniques I have learned to ensure this style of learning is effective.