Inquiring into inquiry: what does It offer? what does it looks like? what role do questions and questioning play? (Centre Greene Building 1, South)

What are the key principals of inquiry-based learning? How does it differ from traditional teaching approaches? What advantages does it offer? What does it look like? What might limit inquiry's success or implementation in learning settings? How is the concept viewed internationally and by science organizations such as AAAS? And why isn't inquiry-based teaching more widely adopted, especially with repeated emphasis on and support for the approach over many years? These questions will be addressed during this hands-on workshop. In addition, participants will partake in three different hands-on approaches to a particular science learning activity – each developed by the Exploratorium's Institute for Inquiry in San Francisco, California. Following the activities, workshop participants will sift out the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, define the one or ones that exemplify inquiry, discuss the qualities within each most conducive to student learning, and compare each style to the methods most familiar and similar to one's own formative learning experiences. Don't be surprised if everyone doesn't agree or see the approaches in a similar light! Participants will also look closely at the art of asking questions that can move students beyond simple recall to higher level thinking skills. This workshop is intended to be both a laboratory for the process of inquiry as well as a venue for discussing factors in its implementation. Participants will leave with ample resources and references to continue expanding their knowledge about inquiry and to feel comfortable implementing it when designing various learning opportunities for one's students.