Focus - Inquiry Based Learning

SEARCHING and Unpacking!

“I am searching

I am not alone

I am searching

Please, give me some …”

HELP!  Inxs’ lyrics talk of loosing direction and hoping tomorrow will bring a better day.  I too am in need of direction and hope that unpacking Inquiry Based Learning (IBL), using Boolean Operators and various databases, will bring me direction and a brighter day.

So how do you go about unpacking a theory or methodology? In this instance, reflect on unpacking after a vacation and how tedious, yet memorable the disassembling of the bag minutiae can be – the shared experiences, new encounters and new learning can all come flooding back by picking up a single item. It’s a time for reflecting on the old (must discard those socks), the new, and steps you took along the way. Unpacking Inquiry Based Learning may not be the aftermath of that long awaited vacation, however, it has shared experiences, new discoveries/learning and reflection on the steps implemented to achieve a solution or outcome.  Reflection is a dominant element of this process and supports learning through critical thinking skills.

This way!!! Developed by Mary Hobbs using Inspiration

Creating mind maps is just one method which can assist with the development of critical thinking skills and it offers the developer a point of reference for reflection.

To begin  unpacking IBL, I found this exercise of mapping salient points and developing sub-criteria was imperative to clarifying my approach for conducting database searches.  It is these elements which interest me, as they specifically  relate to implementing IBL in an adult learning environment. From previous, general searches (QUT library, Google and Google Scholar), I have located only one article directly relates to the Australian Vocational and Training Sector and specifically refers to inquiry learning.  I’m getting ahead of myself…

Searching! Can it be simplified and if so, where do you commence and in which direction do you head?  To assist with this process the following table demonstrates –

• my initial search direction
• changes I applied to realise my specific results
• Boolean Operators I utilised to refine the parameters of my searches
• databases and search engines I accessed – Google, Google Scholar, A+ Education (via Informit) and ProQuest
• the results of searches I conducted.

This was not an exhaustive search for references relating to the criteria listed in my mind map, however, it was detailed, rewarding (at times a little  frustrating), and time consuming.  What did I learn from this task? Boolean Operators are extremely useful if used effectively.  At times I felt like I had “L Plates” strapped to my back and I was directionless with the pedal firmly planted to the floor.  To solve that dilemma I consulted the ever present YouTube videos on how to conduct searches using Boolean Operators in order to move to a “P Plate” (provisional) searcher.  Yes this was successful, I learnt a few truths on how to use Boolean Operators,  and I’ve now created my own how to video demonstrating one of my searches.  View the video (below) to see the outcome.  (Sorry for the sibilant overtones.  Suppose a career change in voice overs is out of the question.)

From my searching I also verified a long held belief that the web is littered with articles which have not been critiqued. Some articles have been rigorously reviewed while others, well let’s just say, the lack of any referencing or links to sources had me packing my bag. This experience was as much about unpacking Boolean Operators and search terms and/or phrases as unpacking IBL. I hoped that consulting the Tips section for ProQuest would give me greater insight and refinement for conducting searches, however, the SU.EXTRA (inquiry based learning) search produced zero results. I will pursue these tips in the hope I can locate articles to support my research.

Final result – 10,000,000 (Google) to 9 for my researching. I located a few promising articles which I will review in my annotated bibliography. Until then keeping Googling!

References

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/inxs/searching.html

Welcome to Focus – Inquiry Based Learning

There is nothing better I like than pontificating on a subject that has me hook, line and sinker, so sit back and wait for me to deliver relevant information about Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) to your neurons (IBL). On the other hand, in the spirit of IBL, you could actively approach these blogs by immersing,

Open mind – Let the inquiry begin! Courtesy of L.M. Rawlings trading as Ewe-Neek Designs ©

exploring, identifying, sharing and evaluating the multiple elements of discussion which will arise throughout these episodes. Inquiry based learning isn’t new, and yet, in my consultative role for language, literacy and numeracy programs in adult education, it appears this methodology is like the unicorn, something which may be spoken about, but mythical. Constantly I receive queries regarding strategies to engage different student cohorts, but the moment IBL or Project Based Learning (PBL) is mentioned, the usual response is along the lines of, “it’s too hard” or “I can’t assess that way”. For this reason alone I would like to share the following quote from Albert Einstein and it’s my intention to take these words on board for the duration of my investigation in to IBL. “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” (Albert Einstein)

At times it feels like problems are the weight of the world resting on your shoulders and other days it feels like they have become the weight of the universe.  Albert Einstein was a prolific problem solver and yet, he only had available to him the same tools as everyone else in his day – pen and paper.  What did Einstein do that was different from his peers?  What strategies did he employ to recognise, investigate and solve problems?  In an interview with Jacques Hadamard (1945) Einstein suggested “…combinatory play seems to be the essential feature in productive thought …“.  His quote revolves around the need to play around with elements and establish relationships which exist between them in order to discover a solution. Thanks Herr Einstein that sounds like the path of least resistance to solving problems. 

Let’s go play! Combinatory play!  My aim is to introduce this concept into my blogs.  Play with the definitions and models of Inquiry Based Learning and experience the research elements from the dizzying heights of the monkey bars.  (Okay last time I was on monkey bars I did fall and break a wrist, but this did not stop me from playing.)  On with the play and learning and I’ll leave the last word to Einstein – “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”  

References

Norton, J.D. (2007).  How Did Einstein Think?. Retrieved 22 August, 2014 ,from http://www.pitt.edu/~jdnorton/Goodies/Einstein_think/