Inquiry, Skills, and Formative Assessment Through the "Inquiry Design Model"

Today's classrooms highlight far, far more than knowledge. Today's classrooms know that deeper thinking is critical, and classrooms based on learning facts do not prepare students for the world that they are entering. In 21st century classrooms, students need to apply knowledge skillfully and teachers need to formatively assess student work and classroom conversations to evaluate whether students grasp the skills of a discipline. Students also need to apply knowledge to demonstrate understanding of conceptual ideas. Conceptual ideas provide students with opportunities to transfer their learning to multiple contexts thereby making learning relevant to life. Teachers need to formatively assess student work and classroom conversations to evaluate whether students grasp the concepts of a discipline.

Given these goals, sometimes it seems that planning for daily learning has become so complex that it's almost unbearable. But...planning doesn't need to be unbearable if you focus on core elements of good learning. I believe that the Inquiry Design Model simplifies the planning process while also elevating... 

1) inquiry based on concepts,

2) the intentional use of quality resources,

3) discipline specific skills, and

4) focused formative assessment. 

I LOVE how this model avoids overprescription!

As you explore planning with the Inquiry Design Model, access some of their sample inquiries as models and consider the following ideas:

1. Inquiry involves the process of every student working to answer questions. How might teachers use questions to frame learning for students? What experiences will allow you to know whether students are able to answer the question using sources? (classroom conversation, writing to learn)
2. Good instruction involves using quality resources and texts. What is the best resource for your students? Are you exposing students to non-traditional texts (charts, graphs, maps, images, infographics, primary sources)? 
3. Good instruction involves students demonstrating skills. Some skills are applied during the reading/analysis of resource or text. Some skills are applied after students have extrapolated critical ideas from a resource or text. What skills are you looking for? Are you looking for students to demonstrate skills during their work with a resource or text? Are you looking for students to demonstrate skills after their work with a resource or text? What modeling do students need so they can successfully demonstrate skills?

Please share your thoughts:

Does this model simplify planning of social studies? 

Does this model honor conceptual thinking? 

Does this model honor skillful thinking? 

Does this model help you, the teacher, to focus on student application of skills and concepts?