Developing the Inquiry Question

What Is an Inquiry Question?

It is a nagging question that the teacher sincerely or passionately wants to answer about his/her practice

What an Inquiry Question is NOT

An Inquiry Question is NOT an hypothesis or theory It is NOT a question to which the teacher already knows or presupposes the answer

Compelling Inquiry Questions Are

Grounded in a specific teaching context Personally engaging for the teacher Open-ended Specific and tangible Focused on improvement of practice AND Concerned with student achievement

Placing I at the Center of Teacher Inquiry

I explore my teaching as the subject and object of my research. I am asking a real question about a real issue and I am hoping to move towards an increased understanding of my teaching practice and possible solution of the issue. I am starting from where I am. I take responsibility for my own actions. I own my claims and judgments. I am the author of my own research accounts.

Challenges in the Development of the Inquiry Question

The question is too broad

The question is too narrow The question does not clearly articulate what the PT wants to investigate

The Question Is Too Broad

Evolution of an Inquiry Focus

1st How can I use conferencing to improve the English speaking, reading, listening and writing skills of my ESL students? became 2nd How can conferencing improve reading and writing skills of my ESL students? became 3rd How can I use conferencing to increase writing skills among my ESL students?

The Question Is Too Narrow

Evolution of an Inquiry Focus

1st How can I use use popsicle sticks to be sure all students participate in discussions? became 2nd How can I use random selection to be sure all students participate in discussions? became 3rd How can I ensure that all students participate in discussions?

Support Providers Can Aid in Narrowing or Broadening the Focus Question By

Asking

clarifying questions to get at the intent of the question Asking what kind of information or data the Participating Teacher would collect Asking what kinds of outcomes or changes the Participating Teacher would like to see

Question Does Not Articulate What PT Wants to Investigate

Evolution of an Inquiry
1st How can I improve my students mathematical test scores? became 2nd How can I help my students use the resources (i.e., class notes, quizzes, text) available to them to help them better prepare for their math tests and in college?

Support Providers Can Help Participating Teachers Articulate What They Mean By

Listening for key words after asking the Participating Teacher what it is theyre thinking about Asking the Participating Teacher what he/she wants to accomplish Asking the Participating Teacher to describe the situation he/she wants to improve Drilling down with clarifying questions to the essence of what the Participating Teacher is trying to describe

Keeping the Implementation Plan Aligned with the Inquiry Research Question
The Participating Teacher MUST keep asking: Is what Im doing helping me to answer on my Focus Question? How does what Im doing connect to my Focus Question?

What Are the Components of a Measurable Outcome?

When writing a measurable learning outcome, it is important to:
focus on student behavior use simple, specific action verbs select appropriate assessment methods state desired performance criteria

An Example of a Measurable Learning Outcome

Students will be able to communicate effectively, as demonstrated by obtaining at least a C grade in the response to literature writing unit. Students will be able to communicate effectively, as exhibited by scoring at least 8 out of 10 for all the components within the grading criteria on the response to literature writing assignment rubric.

Is This a Measurable Learning Outcome?

At least 80% of all my kindergarten students will successfully be able to write one or two sentences using invented spelling and sight words which they will need to spell correctly. They will also need to start their sentences with a capital letter and end their sentence with a period. Rubrics, checklists and goal setting will be used throughout the lesson series in order to identify and give extra support to students who may need it.