The document describes the journey of Nelson Central School in New Zealand in implementing an inquiry learning model. It discusses why the school moved to inquiry learning, focusing on developing students' research, thinking and lifelong learning skills. The school adopted the SAUCE model of inquiry which involves setting the scene, acquiring information, using knowledge, communicating results and evaluating. In 2007, the school began its inquiry journey by surveying students' questioning skills and setting targets to improve questioning quality. Subsequent years focused on globalization as a theme to structure inquiry learning across topics and year levels using various technologies and resources.

1. Inquiry Learning Nelson Central School - our journey so far

2. What is Inquiry Learning? Student-centred Worthy problem, question, idea, conflict or issue Thinking and research skills Authentic context

3. Why the need to change ? Knowledge changing. Need to be able to locate and use it.

4. Successful life-long learners need to develop research skills and to develop and utilise higher order thinking skills through carefully scaffolded learning opportunities.

5. Many models of Inquiry… Trevor Bond’s model - SAUCE model. (Other schools in our area are working with the SAUCE model.)

7. The SAUCE model… S - Setting the scene …It provides a context for the learning, and involves initial interaction with the task and identification of prior knowledge.

8. A - Acquire … Acquiring information (& validating it).

9. U – Use … Application of the knowledge in the context of the task.

10. C – Communicate … Presentation of the result

11. E – Evaluate … Evaluation of process.

12. Tasks Task writing crucial. Key words & phrases embedded in task. Task requires application of the information.

13. In 2007… A Baseline questioning survey. (To be repeated each year… )

14. 2008… School target of improving the quality of children’s questions.

15. Questioning Questioning Rubric. 7 levels of questioning. Need to promote effective questions that will provide useful answers

16. Ineffective Questioners… Ask non-relevant questions which do not contain contextual key words or phrases ( E.g. who did it?) Write statements rather than questions .

17. Effective questioners… Identify information needed Write a range of relevant questions Can use the questions with a variety of appropriate sources (– Google, encyclopaedia, people) Edit/adapt questions Persevere until they have the information they need.

18. Visits to other schools What does Inquiry Learning look like in practice ? Also in 2007 ……

19. We found that… Different topics use different types of resources. Hard-copy, ICT and people. Implications for resourcing and resource management. Syndicate or school-wide tasks.

20. Planning is up-front. On-going staff commitment . Inquiry takes teachers out of their comfort zone.

21. At Nelson Central… Combined Inquiry Learning with over-arching theme.

22. The theme for 2008 is Globalisation . Our catch phrase is Local, Global and Connected.

23. The theme will develop over the year…

24. Term 1 ~ Knowing ourselves and our place . Examination of identity. Our rights, roles and responsibilities.

25. Term 1 school-wide Rich task “ Enhance the school entrance with Identity concepts.”

26. Syndicates and topics… Slightly different focus. ICT used differently.

27. Kowhai Syndicate 2 x New entrant classes 1 x Year 1 class 2 x Year 1-2 classes Kowhai Syndicate 2 x New entrant classes 1 x Year 1 class 2 x Year 1-2 classes Kowhai Syndicate Kowhai Syndicate Kowhai Syndicate

28. ICT Tools used … Digital cameras Voice recorders Inspiration & Kidspiration software

31. Kahikatea Syndicate 3 x year 3 & 4 classes 1 year 2 & 3 class 1 year 1-3 class

32. “ Central Rocks” Rights and responsibilities focus. Interviewed ex pupils to find out… 1. What they gained from their time at NCS 2. What they contributed to NCS

33. The task… “ We are going to make a display to show our community what Nelson Central School means to us. Design and create an image that depicts what our school means to you.”

34. Resources and skills Main resources ~ people. Focus ~ Interviewing ~ need to ask “good” questions

35. ICT Tools used… Digital Cameras Voice recorders Word processing PowerPoint Pod casting Moviemaker

36. Results…

37. Totara Syndicate… 4 x Year 5 & 6 classes 1 Year 4 - 6 class Task Students design and create a visual symbol to represent their identity.

38. Focus ~ developing concepts of identity. ICT used to provoke ~ Setting the Scene Identity concepts presented in a variety of ways.

39. ICT Tools used… PowerPoint Digital Cameras Dreamweaver Audacity 2 (Sound )

40. Term 2’s focus… Discovering our connections with the rest of the world Making new conections.

41. ICT use likely to be more extensive. Building on Term 1’s skill base Plus: Blogging Google searches Email