At Browns Bay School we  ...

Foster a critical spirit in each student by:

Ensuring  inquiry is instinctive, a habit for every student that becomes a part of everyday life in and out of the classroom

• strategies are used in the playground
• strategies are used  independent of the teacher

 

Infusing thinking with all aspects of classroom programmes

• It happens at any time of the day, regardless of the learning area
• links are made between learning areas (integration)

 

Modelling a critical spirit

• asking open-ended questions’
• thinking  aloud
• sharing our own learning
•  passionate about learning / their own learning

 

Creating an environment that encourages inquiry and open-mindedness

• interactive, student-generated displays
• changing the environment to suit the needs of the students
• engaging students in cooperative / collaborative learning strategies

 

Ensuring that students are challenged and their passions are maximized.

• student voice is predominant in the classroom
• Interactive learning

 

Encourage positive attitudes towards inquiry

Curiosity, passion

• asking questions

aking risks

• self-motivated

Open-mindedness, flexibility

Respecting others

•  caring; valuing others ideas and opinions

Perseverance

• these attitudes are acknowledged and rewarded in class and by the school

 

 Ensure students are equipped with and use the right skills at the right time by:

 

Teaching the skills of inquiry to meet the students’ needs, taught in a meaningful context and applied in a meaningful context.

The Skills are:

Active listening

• ask questions, front/challenge, build on other’s ideas, staying on the topic; reflecting feelings; restating ideas, summarize, validating

Critical and creative thinking

• analysis ie comparing, contrasting, predicting, using graphic organizer; evaluating ie assessing the reasonableness of ideas/opinions; making judgments; generating new ideas; OK to have unanswered questions

Reflection

• self assessment: what I can and can’t do; next steps; peer assessment

Working cooperatively

• teamwork, collaboration

Investigating

• learning how to carry out an investigation, how to research; asking questions

Decision making

• learning a considered and reasoned decision making process

 

Constructing new knowledge by:

 

building on prior knowledge, making it relevant and meaningful and ensuring it is transferable

Using a range of strategies to find out what students already know

• brainstorming
• mind mapping students discussing what they know with others

Ensuring students understand the purpose of the learning

• teachers discuss reasons for learning
• 'world’ reasons
• school reasons

Providing regular opportunities for students to apply their new knowledge in new situations, not just in the classroom.

• Hook the students into the learning by getting their attention with something interactive and exciting.
• Involve students in solving a real life problem.
• Get students to take action using their new knowledge
• Parent feed back about students applying knowledge at home