Since learning the inquiry based learning method, I ahve adapted the way that I teach science. I teach the children the basics of the topic we are studying. Then once they have some knowledge, they are put into discovery groups for some labs that are designed to embed the objectives in a solid foundation for the children. Working in small groups that change every two weeks allows children to work with a variety of their classmates; the roles assumed by each group member often changing in the process. Children become accepting of their peers and their strengths and weaknesses. Those that are timid and shy learn that they too have great ideas. Children previously seen as not so bright now come up with some of the best insights for the group to persue. Children become empowered to set learning topics based upon their need. They learn that to hypothesize, fail and revamp is to succede. We are learning through our failures! Something every great scientist has done! The only thing they are graded on is the success of following the scientific process; their conclusions based on each individual group's results! At the end of the year, I plan to try to take this process one step further and divide the class into interest groups, letting them drive the learning through the inquiry labs that they contrive. The children will then be mentors to their peers as they teach and entertain questions! I can't wait!
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