Questionnaire 2: What have I learnt???

Questionnaire Two

1. Take some time to think about your topic. Now write down what you know about it.

Inquiry based learning involves students in a form of active learning that emphasises Questioning, Data and Analysis and Critical thinking (Bell et al, 2005) Guided Inquiry as proposed by Kuhlthau,  has a solid theory foundation in the constructivist approach to learning, especially that of John Dewey. Guided Inquiry enables students to formulate a focus as they work through the stages of the Information Search Process. This 7 stage process describes thoughts and feelings of students as they process through complex inquiry tasks, to construct knew knowledge, and deeper understanding. (Kuhlthau et al, 2007) Reflection on the Inquiry Process is a vital component of many Inquiry Based models.

Information Literacy is  ‘a way of learning though engaging with information. It is the experience of searching for, locating, evaluating, selecting, organising and using information to learn, analyse, synthesise, create new knowledge, communicate, make decisions and solve problems”  (Lupton, 2008) Information Literacy is incorporated in Guided Inquiry.

2. How interested are you in this topic?

A great deal: I have become increasingly more interested and motivated in learning about this topic, as I embark on this Information Learning Activity with the students. The information search process, as described by Kuhlthau,  is particularly useful in understanding how I look for and assess information. I can then apply this knowledge when using the same strategies with my students. The Alberta Inquiry Project Model (1990)  for Inquiry based learning looks like a dynamic model  in which to frame the Information Learning Activity. I like the way it scaffolds the learning, has a collaborative process for teachers and students, and that  Reflection on the Process occurs at every stage within the Learning Cycle.

 3. How much do you know about this topic? 

Quite a bit. I am  definitely learning so much more as they weeks progress. The readings and video tutorials are very informative, as are the searches I have undertaken, so far. I have learnt new phrases to use in searches and the term Boolean Operators is now well and truly part of my vocabulary.

4. When you do research what do you generally find easy to do?

I usually find it quite easy to look up websites and articles online but it has been made so much easier by the use of Boolean operators and new databases to search. I find it easy to skim articles quickly fo rinformation and identify their usefulness in this context.

5. When you do research what do you generally find difficult to do?

I am still finding it difficult to narrow the searches enough to then leisurely read and assess the articles for valid and pertinent information. I am doing so many searches and finding so much information, I tend to get quite flustered and forget to document or save my searches, and end up having to do the whole thing again. I am getting better at this though as the weeks progress.

References:

Alberta Inquiry focus

http://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla65/papers/078-119e.htm retrieved September 14 2011

Lupton, M (2008) Information literacy and learning. Auslib Pres: Adelaide  p 2