ERIC Number: EJ1045936
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 10
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1094-9046
EISSN: N/A
Making the Shift: From Traditional Research Assignments to Guiding Inquiry Learning
Maniotes, Leslie K.; Kuhlthau, Carol C.
Knowledge Quest, v43 n2 p8-17 Nov-Dec 2014
The traditional research assignment is a common approach for teachers unaware of an inquiry process. In the traditional assignment, on the very first day that the work is assigned, students are given a topic or asked to choose a topic from a prepared list. They are given the parameters of the assignment, the number of sources required, the number of pages, and when it is due. Guided Inquiry Design (GID) is a framework for designing inquiry learning experienced in eight phases: Open, Immerse, Explore, Identify, Gather, Create, Share, and Evaluate. Inquiry takes time, reflection, and persistence--it can't be rushed to get to the next unit. Through inquiry, students engage in research around interesting ideas and important questions within an area of study in the curriculum. When that learning is guided, students are supported and not overwhelmed. Through inquiry students engage in discovery, ask real questions about academic topics, and are interested to learn more and to share with others. School librarians have special expertise in the inquiry process and how research fits into that process; this expertise makes them indispensable partners on the learning team. The inquiry process is the knowledge of the library field situated in the body of school library research. Using this knowledge, school librarians are able to collaborate with teachers at a high level to impact learning, learning design, and the learning environment of the whole school. School librarians can be leaders in inquiry learning because they know the research process and are able to help teachers design better learning experiences for students--experiences that support their learning through research.
Descriptors: Student Research, Assignments, Elementary Secondary Education, Inquiry, Search Strategies, Academic Standards, Teaching Methods, School Libraries, Library Role
American Association of School Librarians. Available from: American Library Association. 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Tel: 1-800-545-2433; Web site: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslpubsandjournals/knowledgequest/knowledgequest.cfm
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A