Thought of the Day: Tuesday, November 26th, 2013

If you haven't read the above article, you are going to want to, especially if inquiry-based teaching is a passion of yours or if you are an educator that simply wants to know more about the inquiry approach to education. The article asserts that although curriculum, skills, strategies and adaptations to teaching methods are important considerations in moving students' learning forward, the bigger question is how do we identify, attract, nurture, and train teachers who have an 'inquiry friendly' personality? 

Without a doubt, coaching plays a fundamental role in developing a teacher's capacity to deliver a curriculum in an inquiry-based way, however, the relationships that they build and the emotional connections made to students play even a larger role. The article asserts that teachers must reflect on the following 5 questions. 

Are you optimistic? 
Are you open? 
Are you appreciative?
Are you flexible? 
Are you purposeful? 

"When a teacher comes out from behind the lectern, leaves the front of the room, kneels beside a student to coach them through a problem, offers feedback designed to promote confidence and perseverance, and becomes a true partner in the learning process, the relationship between teacher and student automatically shifts. It’s no longer about telling; it’s about listening, observing, and creating the channel of trust that opens up a personal connection between two individuals."

For me, reading the article was an important reminder to take every opportunity possible to connect with our students. It's not always easy, especially on days when motivation is low, but it's worth the time and effort. To read the article, please click on the link below. Thanks to Thom Markham, the author of "Do you have the personality to be an inquiry-based teacher?" for his insight and wisdom on the topic of inquiry. You can find Thom on Twitter at https://twitter.com/welcoming2012. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy the article. 

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/11/do-you-have-the-personality-to-be-an-inquiry-based-teacher/