Reflection
Bai (2005) stated that there two kinds of learning in the world, one is for tangible and predictable outcomes such as school learning, another one is for uncertain and unpredictable outcomes just like inquiry. To be honest, it is hard for me to take this lesson, because most of my classmates are experienced teachers in Canada or India or have some experiences of teaching or designing teaching plans. Inquiry project and inquiry lesson plans are total new for me, I was exploring a new field with Jodi and my classmates. I take much time on reading required materials and designing lesson plans. Through this lesson, I learned the basic knowledge of inquiry, some inquiry related approaches, and benefits of using inquiry based approached which teaching and learning. It is good for my future learning and teaching. In the process of learning, I am wondering how I can connect inquiry with different subjects, because in my inquiry project, I focus on outdoor education, this is a field that I have never learned. If I was to plan my inquiry project again, I might connect inquiry approaches with Chinese curriculum standard, I want to design more inquiry-based learning activities for children to develop their passion, imagination, creativity, curiosity about the world.
Bai (2005) stated that inquiry is quest for meaning or value and so on which starts with the suspicion and realization to help students realize their power. From my perspective, inquiry brings us and our students a kind of capacity to deal with unknown things, because in our mind, we have suspicion and realization. Through inquiry, students can learn a different way to explore the world.
In the course, I have learned a way of life that might disappear in Canada that is Indigenous people’s traditional way of life. Indigenous people live and learn from the land and work with what they learned through the hunting life. Children in today’s life can learn something from these Indigenous people that they cannot learn from books. Canadian children can learn from the forest, river, mountain and many other places in nature. They have many opportunities to connect nature with their study and life. Judson (2020) stated that the more we get students outside, the more, too, we teachers help them develop emotional connection to nature and community.
Friesen (2009) stated that learning is a process that requires teachers to help students learn with understanding, and not simply acquire disconnected sets of facts and skills. Inquiry is a process that teachers help students learn with understanding.
After doing this project and taking this class, I am still wondering how effective and beneficial for students and teachers to connect inquiry with different subjects. Life is a long process of learning, and I think I can find the answer through further learning in Med courses.
Reference
Friesen, S. (2009). What did you do in school today? Teaching Effectiveness: A Framework and Rubric. Toronto: Canadian Education Association.
Hare, W., & Portelli, J. P. (2005). Key questions for educators. Halifax, NS: Edphil Books.
Judson, G. (2020). A walking curriculum. Education Canada, 60(2), 8.