One popular curriculum model that exemplifies this concept is the Understanding By Design model (UBD), created by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe.
During this week we also focused on taking our previous learning and applying it to the lesson planning in order to support the abilities and understandings of inquiry, process skills, and essential features of inquiry, as well as the concept of backwards design. I was a little critical on exactly what UBD was (I had been introduced to it previously in an undergraduate course many moons ago, but haven't "dived" into it like I had always wanted to). I found some research that helped me expand my understanding of this concept, particularly how it can align with inquiry learning.
UBD Resources:
What is UBD Framework?
12 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Implementing UBD
UBD in a Nutshell
The next part of our lesson was to not only support backwards design and inquiry skills, but also embed 21st century skills and technology, and use formative assessment to monitor and adjust our teaching. This is also where the 5E's (constructivist approach) came into play. (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate).
5E's Resources:
Great Science Lesson Sample
General Overview
I found this great resource on Formative Assessment examples. It came in handy when I was looking to differentiate this weeks assignment and my lesson! Some examples in the presentation include, but are not limited to:
- 3x Summarization
- Postcard
- Three Things
- Venn Diagram
- Hands in, pass out
- Create Something
- Chalkboard Splash
One of my favorites that I took from this resource was the Chalkboard splash (otherwise known as the Word Splash).
Here is a word splash I found on inquiry learning. What do you think? Create your own using Wordle. Wordle is a "toy" for generating word clouds from text that you input. It is a great tool to use in inquiry learning, especially as an anticipatory activity to ENGAGE the students. Try making a word splash on your own using a chalkboard instead!
I really feel that this week was the Elaborate portion of the 5E's (where we connect our learning and APPLY it to other areas). Because of this, I am not left with any A-HA moments or burning questions- everything is coming into place nicely. I can say that beginning the course I was a novice on the inquiry learning process. I had little experience with it. Now, with one week remaining, I am ready to transition inquiry learning into my own classroom. I am so fortunate for the opportunity that Wilkes provided me with to become well-versed with this skill. Even as a small group remedial reading teacher, I am able to successfully implement my learning into my own classroom- just a few weeks away!
Here is a great video that I often watch to remind myself of the basis of Inquiry Learning:
Here is a great video that I often watch to remind myself of the basis of Inquiry Learning:
I want to know- how do YOU utilize inquiry learning, UBD, 5E's, and formative assessment in YOUR classroom?