PROCESS

The way the links are presented are from more general information about INQUIRY to more specific links about OPEN INQUIRY. Please read the following links:

This is the wikipedia link where you can read the general definition of Inquiry Based Learning.  After you do that make sure you read the content presented as open learning which will start to give you an idea of open inquiry.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inquiry-based_learning

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inquiry-based_science

Read this link to find out the types of inquiry, but make sure to read open inquiry so you can start to see what makes Open Inquiry different from the others.  http://www.materialsworldmodules.org/teaching/design3.htm

This link will provide you with the definiton of open inquiry in contrast to the other types.  It will give, in a clear and concise manner, the benefits of utilizing this method.  http://teachingtoday.glencoe.com/howtoarticles/what-is-inquiry-in-science

If you are still confused about the difference between guided and open inquiry, or if you want to learn more about those two types of inquiry, this site makes a broad comparison between them. http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2002RM/finalprogram/abstract_33196.htm

Now that you know for sure what open inquiry is and why it is important, read the following site to learn how to implement it into your classroom.  Even though this site talks about inquiry in science it can apply to any subject.  Make sure you read the process skill tablet that will help you understand the structure to follow.  This site has great pictures of students following the structure through specific steps.

http://www.forks.wednet.edu/wvc/cadre/waterquality/scienceInq.htm

 "Knowing and Learning on Open Inquiry Science" is a text that documents learning and teaching in open-inquiry learning environments.  It is designed with the precepts of the following specific educational thinkers in mind: John Dewey, Seymour Papert, Donald Schon and Allan Collins.  You will found in the right side of this page a Table of Contents that can bring you directly to the pages you want to read.  HINT:  Just like the kids in your class, read the conclusion FIRST to get the main ideas!  It's a bit overwhelming to read a whole text in a Treasure Hunt!  The conclusion gives you a brief summary of the text and presents you with the data that shows that open inquiry has been successfully implemented in the last three years.

http://books.google.com/books?id=c4fwkKYoPOoC&dq=open+inquiry+in+schools&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=aibRN5iR2W&sig=zlZm3lo84j9uAkw_P9fnPVMKM3o#PPP1,M1

Incorpotating inquiry in elementary classrooms. 

http://theaste.org/proceedings/2006proceedings/Doyle%201%20.htm

It is important as well to understand inquiry as a Science Content Standard.  Make sure you see the example entitled "Pendulums" where the teacher wants to develop an understanding of variables.   http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/nses/6d.html

A well-written position paper on Standarized Testing and its harmful effects on critical thinking and teacher creativity.  http://www.acei.org/onstandard.htm

Click here to go to the Conclusion