Teaching as Inquiry Enner Glynn School

Starts with Reflection

It’s about you (& no one else)

An inquiry/QuestioningSeekingEvaluatingDiscussion/DialogueImplementation/Testing

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Reflection is distinct from other forms of thought because it involves a state of self-doubt, hesitation, perplexity, and mental difficulty. It is an act of hunting, inquiring... (and learning)John Dewey 1933

• It is something that takes you to a place of learning... somewhere new It gets you into ‘learning mode’

• It is something that takes you to a place of learning... somewhere new It gets you into ‘learning mode’

For perspectiveFor new possibilityFor clarityTo sharpen the focusTo challenge yourself and your situation (gets you off autopilot)Remember: Where you begin may not be where you end up!

What is on the edge of my awareness

A recurring themeA muddy/sticky

pointSomething

difficult/unresolved

Something which needs clarity

Not to justify your position or why you are right and someone else is wrong!

What is reflection?What is reflection? Why reflect?Why reflect? What to reflect on?What to reflect on?

The Warnings

• Not about anyone else’s actions

• Avoid the ‘blame game’

• No inquiry = No ‘reflection’

• If used as a ‘passive process’ it becomes ‘impotent’

• Not reactive, but PROactive

Stimulus ResponseFreedom toChoose

Self-Awareness

Imagination

Independent Will

Conscience

Proactive Model

Source: Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. p.71

Technical Questions Blamer/Judger Questions Learner Questions

Expertise required - A solution is known or can be found.

Finger pointing. Looking for fault/blame. Why has this failed?

What’s wrong?

Solution seeking, Explores possibilities, Open, Proactive,

Acceptance, Discover, Inquiring, Intentional change, Win/win?

e.g. Where can I find the booking sheet?

e.g. Who is responsible? Why did this happen? What went wrong?

e.g. How/What can I learn about this? How can I stay on track? What are my motives? What is

right for me/them/the organisation? What are my

responsibilities/choices? How does my attitude affect this?

What is possible? What should I change in my approach? Am I

being realistic? What do I really not want to know? What

evidence supports this need? What more do I need to know

The ‘Inquiry’ (and Filter)

More Filters! Enner Glynn School