Concept-Based Inquiry in Action

Foreword by H. Lynn Erickson and Lois A. Lanning Acknowledgments About the Authors About the Illustrator Introduction Chapter 1: The Foundations of Concept-Based Inquiry Bringing Together Inquiry-Based and Concept-Based Learning Part 1: Exploring Inquiry-Based Learning Inquiry Approaches in Concept-Based Inquiry Part 2: Exploring Concept-Based Learning Concepts as Organizers The Structures of Knowledge and Process Disciplines Draw From Knowledge and Process Pause and Reflect Chapter 2: Concept-Based Inquiry A Model of Concept-Based Inquiry The Phases of Concept-Based Inquiry The Complexity of Inquiry Concept-Based Inquiry and the Inductive Approach Creating a Culture of Concept-Based Inquiry Pause and Reflect Chapter 3: Planning for Concept-Based Inquiry What Planning Steps Support Concept-Based Inquiry? How Can Teachers Enhance Their Understanding of a Unit? What Role Do Guiding Questions Play in Concept-Based Inquiry? What Do the Phases of Concept-Based Inquiry Look Like in a Unit? Pacing in Concept-Based Inquiry How Do the Phases of Inquiry Support Teacher Planning for Concept-Based Inquiry? What Are Approaches for Making Interdisciplinary Links? Connecting to the Phases of Inquiry Pause and Reflect Chapter 4: Engage Activating Prior Knowledge Using Engagement Strategies Using Strategies to Motivate Students Initial Questions, Initial Thinking Rethinking Our Use of Engagement Strategies Opinion-Based Strategies Experiential Strategies Discussion-Based Strategies Assessment in the Engage Phase Connecting Phases of Inquiry Pause and Reflect Chapter 5: Focus Using Concept Formation Strategies to Focus an Inquiry Concepts Provide Breadth and Depth Levels of Conceptual Thinking Effective Concept Formation Practices Concept Formation Strategies: Deductive and Inductive Approaches Choosing Concept Formation Strategies Assessment in the Focus Phase Connecting Phases of Inquiry Pause and Reflect Chapter 6: Investigate The Power of Factual Examples Case Study Approaches Focus on Skill Development A Preface to Strategies Assessment in the Investigate Phase Connecting Phases of Inquiry Pause and Reflect Chapter 7: Organize Making Meaning Using Organizers Cognitive Load Theory and the Importance of Organizing Representation and Conceptual Understanding Sharing Findings as a Community of Inquirers A Preface to Strategies Assessment in the Organize Phase Connecting Phases of Inquiry Pause and Reflect Chapter 8: Generalize An Inductive Approach to Generalizing Developing Strong Generalizations Scaffolding Thinking The Value of Recording Generalizations The Importance of Discussion A Preface to Strategies Assessment in the Generalize Phase Connecting Phases of Inquiry Pause and Reflect Chapter 9: Transfer Transfer That Deepens Understanding Testing and Justifying Generalizations Understanding New Events and Situations Predicting and Hypothesizing Applying Learning Taking Action Assessment in the Transfer Phase Connecting Phases of Inquiry Pause and Reflect Chapter 10: Reflect The Power of Reflection The Reflective Cycle Building Agency Reflection Throughout the Inquiry Assessing Reflection Throughout the Inquiry Connecting Phases of Inquiry Pause and Reflect Chapter 11: Concluding Thoughts A Vision for Thinking Classrooms Understand and Adapt Resources Resource A. Concept-Based Inquiry Glossary of Terms Resource B. Concept-Based Inquiry Planner Resource C. Sample Concept-Based Inquiry Planner: Industrialization Unit References Index

"For all its pedagogical purity, concept-based learning continues, no doubt, to perplex in practice. This book synchronizes concept and inquiry-based learning, demystifying the theories that underpin them and providing a wealth of practical classroom strategies that, ultimately, serves to deepen students' conceptual understandings. This is exactly what my school needs right now to support colleagues to build on the foundations of our written concept-based curriculum and to take-off our taught curriculum to the next - and highest - levels." -- Neville Kirton, Deputy Head of Secondary "I feel that this is a book that is timely and needed for a clearer picture of Concept-based Inquiry in action. This is a manuscript that educators would be able to pick up, understand, and apply into the classroom." -- Brenda Booth, Coordinator of Consultant Teachers, Concept-Based Trainer "Filled with strategies, illustrations, diagrams, and pictures, this book really gives you the insight you need to help students better understand what they are learning. So many great ideas that can be used in any classroom. A must read for all educators." -- Amanda McKee, 9th, Algebra/Geometry, Secondary Certified Instructor/Mentor "It's not every day that you read educational literature that you know will immediately have an impact on developing and improving your teaching practice. This book is like a guide that will lead you through the steps to becoming a better Concept-Based teacher. It is a book that teachers will take to planning meetings, have open, and refer to everyday. Just as a travel guide leads you too new discoveries this book will lead you to new discoveries with Concept-Based Inquiry. With this book you will see change and success in not only your teaching practice but also the understanding that the students will have in their learning." -- Trudy McMillin, Grade 5 PYP teacher, Lower School Maths Coordinator