Inquiry-based learning in mixed ability classrooms

Event by UNSW School of Education

Skills associated with inquiry-based learning are commonly listed as essential to 21st century education, and have attracted considerable attention in recent years. However research indicates that classroom activities labelled as inquiry often lack basic features of this process. By examining the literature, and exploring models of the inquiry process, participants will gain a practical understanding of the essence of classroom-based inquiry and appreciate variations in implementation leading to positive outcomes.

Buy ticket
Date September 14, 2016 - September 14, 2016
Time 9:00am - 4:00pm
Venue: Room 119 John Goodsell Building, UNSW Kensington Campus

Participants will have the opportunity to practise framing questions or problems appropriately, to use the problem-solving cycle as a framework for the inquiry-based learning unit, and to determine what initial skills support students may require to successfully negotiate the process. The diversity of students in a mixed-ability classroom will be considered. Participants will be encouraged to craft the strategy to their teaching circumstance, so that inquiry-based learning becomes a pedagogical approach that can be integrated into their teaching program as appropriate.

Completing this workshop will contribute to 6 hours of QTC Registered PD addressing Standards 3.1.2; 3.1.3; 3.2.2; 3.3.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.

Speakers and presenters

Robyn Lonergan

Robyn Lonergan is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. Her research topic is Problem-based learning in middle school mixed ability science classes. She worked for several years in the School of Education at UNSW in Professional Experience, supporting secondary teacher training. She has a master’s degree in gifted education. Her previous experience includes many years as a Science teacher, gifted specialist, and in middle school executive roles.