Every day we ask questions. We ask questions about things that are going on in the world…Why are girls not allowed the same right to an education as boys? Will tighter gun control laws make a difference in curbing gun violence? Why does there seem to be a rise in major weather events in the world? How can I make a differenc in the world? We also inquire about things we seek a more immediate answer to…How do I tile the floor in my bathroom? How do I train my new puppy? What kind of car should I buy?
It is through the questions we ask that we grow as learners and citizens. It is through asking questions that matter to us that we are motivated to learn new information. It is through seeking the answers that we are changed as people. It is through being changed as people that we choose to make a difference in this world!
I want to provide my students with an opportunity to ask their burning questions and a space to explore the answers. Students in my College Reading classes collaborate in groups to explore a social justic topic they have questions about. My Effective Reading Strategies classes are working individually to answer questions about a topic that they want to investigate. They are required to find, read, annotate and critically analyze several texts on their chosen topic. They are also expected to watch some videos that inform them of their topic.
After weeks of investigating, formulating new questions and synthesizing all of their information, the students created a project that shares what they’ve learned with the world. We do not want our classroom walls to hold this knowledge tight, but to release it for the world to view, be changed and make a difference. It is through being changed as people that we choose to make a difference!
Enjoy our projects and go make a difference…
Inquiry Projects 