Sense of Inquiry

As reflective scholar-practitioners, teacher
candidates develop a Sense of Inquiry that
recognizes teaching as a collaborative and
continuous inquiry experience – individually,
in settings for learning, and in the
community and broader society. Engaging
in independent and collaborative inquiry
through critical questioning and thinking
(driven by curiosity and wonderings)
teacher candidates are consumers of, and
contributors to, the ongoing professional
dialogue about learning. As stewards of
scholarship and learning, challenges and risk-taking are seen as opportunities to
learn and go beyond current perspectives,
assumptions, and biases.

MEES Standard 1: Content knowledge
aligned with appropriate instruction

The teacher understands the central concepts,
structures, and tools of inquiry of the
discipline(s) and creates learning experiences
that make these aspects of subject matter
meaningful and engaging for all students.

Social Studies Inquiry Project

Link to Artifact

Description

To develop a sense of inquiry the artifact chosen is a mini unit plan targeted for a 4th grade social studies class. This unit plan requires students to explore and analyze the history of different cultures in America. Students would create their own inquiry to research and answer.

Alignment with Theme/MEES

Within this particular unit I have scaffolded inquiry for students to follow and further in their research. This inquiry is open ended and requires critical thinking to apply content knowledge and different perspectives into a tangible final project. In alignment with the theme and MEES students are using diverse perspectives to inquire about themselves and those around them.

Reflection

I want students to experience an education that goes beyond the classroom and develops critical thinking skills. In my teaching philosophy I emphasize the importance of a transferable and applicable education. This experience would allow students to analyze and critically evaluate different perspectives and their history. Students who are culturally aware and accepting become adults who can enrich the lives of everyone in society.

Connection to Goals

One of my goals is for students to become lifelong learners and enjoy learning for the sake of learning. I believe that a project such as this accomplishes that goal by incorporating student voice and choice into their own inquiry. Within this project they are allowed to follow their own curiosities and create an experience that is personal and of interest to them.