Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Greetings and sincere thanks for your ongoing support and patience with my newsletters. It's been quite a dynamic period, and your understanding has been invaluable. I've been engrossed in the creation of a truly unique tool that's sparked an encouraging transformation in my classroom: The Inquiry Compass. The impact on my students has been undeniably promising. Collaborating with a dear friend, we've designed some visually striking graphics – resources primed for your use, to share with colleagues, and ideally, adorn your classroom walls.
Today, I'm beyond excited to unveil the concept of the Inquiry Compass to each of you. This isn't just another tool in the pedagogical arsenal; it's a comprehensive framework that has fundamentally reshaped my approach to education. It's a fusion of four pivotal stages that encapsulate the essence of inquiry-based learning:
Navigate:
The starting point of our educational journey. It's where our students begin to ask those intriguing questions, seek answers, and define the uncharted territories of their chosen subjects. Imagine it as the foundation of their explorative spirit, setting the course for a curious and investigative voyage.
Engage:
Here, learning transcends the theoretical into the practical realm. Students don't just study; they live the subject matter. This stage cultivates a tangible connection between theory and practice, enabling hands-on involvement and immersive experiences that spark a deeper understanding and love for the subject.
Synthesize:
Enter the domain of critical analysis and connection. This stage is where students take the gathered information, analyze, and draw informed conclusions. It's not merely understanding data; it's about using these findings as a stepping stone for further exploration and understanding, leading to a more comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.
Weave:
This stage is the art of communication and creativity. It's the space where students effectively present and communicate their insights, findings, and understanding. It's about crafting narratives, presentations, or projects that vividly and creatively express their newfound knowledge and insights.
This compass serves as more than just a guide; it's an educational philosophy, instilling a love for inquiry, action, reflection, and communication in our students.
In the coming weeks, I'll be diving deeper into each compass point, detailing how this tool can be integrated seamlessly into your classroom. Expect practical insights, tips, and resources that can transform the educational experience for both you and your students. Stay tuned for more on each aspect of the compass, and let's embark on this exciting educational expedition together!
Feel free to use the graphic below in your classrooms or to share with colleagues. I truly hope that you can share on your social media channels with the #inquirycompass. I would love to see images of your classrooms with this visible on your walls.
On another note, I have decided to provide my resources for free on my website. Should you be looking for materials to use in your classroom, then please head over and visit my resources page. All resources are now free, forever more.
You will also be able to download high quality versions of the posters from there.
I’d really love to hear what you think of the inquiry compass. So please do comment or join the chat through the Substack app.
Warm regards,
Matt