Description
This workshop, presented by Kath Murdoch for AISWA Early Childhood, is designed to suit K-6 educators.
One of the core elements of an inquiry based approach is the use of a ‘cycle of inquiry’ to support and scaffold both planning and teaching. This collaborative process is creative and dynamic and can be a powerful professional learning experience in itself. In this workshop we will explore practical approaches to designing inquiry journeys with and for our learners with an emphasis on striking a balance between forward mapping that attends to the curriculum and responsive planning that takes into account the needs and interests of students.
• the essential ingredients in the planning process
• choosing and working with real life contexts to enhance the power of an inquiry
• strategies to enhance the quality of collaboration in a planning team
• the role of concepts in planning
• how to build connections across the curriculum
• the way a cycle of inquiry can support the planning process
• how to engage student voice in the design process
• strategies for documentation
• building assessment into the planning process
Kath will guide participants through her popular cycle of inquiry and show how understanding the elements of the process can make a powerful difference to the way we plan. Kath will show the way the cycle can be used to invite children into the planning process and how the meta language of the cycle can help children transfer the process to more personal, independent inquiries. Kath will also identify how the cycle can help elevate the role of key competencies or ‘Learning Assets’ as it unfolds. We will examine many examples of powerful inquiries from across the primary years to inspire us … come along ready to do some planning!
Each participant will also receive a copy of Kath's latest book, 'From Agency to Zest: A journey through the landscape of inquiry'.
Presenters
Rebecca Duncan (AISWA Staff)
Consultant | Early Childhood
Rebecca Duncan has been working in education since 1998. Along with teaching experience in each year level across Kindergarten to Year 4, her roles have included Coordinator of the Learning Development Centre at Christ Church Grammar Preparatory School as well as leadership in the integration of learning technologies, including at All Saints' College. In 2004, Rebecca was the recipient of a National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA) for Western Australia.
Rebecca has been with AISWA since late 2010, when she was contracted to write a resource to support educators in their implementation of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). This project culminated in the publication of the acclaimed book, 'Early Years Learning Framework: In Action'. Ongoing employment as a consultant for AISWA followed, initially in the Curriculum, Literacy, and most recently, Early Childhood, teams. She has led numerous projects at AISWA, including initiatives to connect the Australian Curriculum and EYLF, one of which led to AISWA’s publication of 'Playing with the Australian Curriculum' (2013). Her teacher resource, 'Journeys of Inquiry', was published in 2018, highlighting case studies of inquiry in early childhood. This has now been accompanied by a second volume of inspiring stories of inquiry pedagogies in 'Further Journeys of Inquiry', which was published by AISWA in 2020. In 2021, Rebecca authored the text, 'Playful STEM: Using Blocks in Kindergarten to Year 2', followed by being the lead representative and editor for AISWA on the cross-sectoral publication, 'The National Quality Standard in Action: Western Australian schools', due for publication in late 2024. Inquiry pedagogies, literacy and numeracy, learning through play, integrative approaches, responsiveness to children, learning technologies, and the Early Years Learning Framework represent a few of Rebecca’s areas of specialty. She continues to stay deeply connected to classroom practice through mentoring, coaching and working alongside educators across the primary years of schooling.
Kath Murdoch
Kath Murdoch is a highly regarded educator, author, and consultant with extensive experience across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, America, and Europe. Renowned for her expertise in inquiry-based learning and integrative curriculum, Kath’s work spans over 20 years as a teacher, researcher, and writer. A former Melbourne classroom teacher, she remains actively involved in teaching, coaching, and leading professional development worldwide. Kath’s practical, inclusive approach supports both new and experienced teachers, and her influence is evident in leading curriculum frameworks such as the International Baccalaureate’s PYP program.
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Segments
Designing powerful journeys of inquiry with and for K-6 learners (with Kath Murdoch)
Date / Time
7 Aug 2024 Starts: 08:30 Finishes: 15:30Delivery Format : In Person