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!
***Subsidy provided from Preschool Reform Agreement (PRA)
Outcomes
- Explore strategies for designing inquiry experiences that achieve a balance between curriculum requirements and adapting to students' emerging interests and needs.
- Explore how to design inquiry journeys that emphasise key concepts across the curriculum, using real-life contexts to deepen student engagement and understanding.
- Develop skills for enhancing the quality of collaboration when designing for inquiry.
- Explore methods for inviting student voice into the design of inquiry journeys, empowering learners to contribute to and shape their own learning experiences.
- Explore how to embed assessment and documentation practices throughout the inquiry process.
Presenters
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.
Terms & Conditions
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Segments
Designing powerful journeys of inquiry with and for K-6 learners (with Kath Murdoch)
Date / Time
4 Jun 2025 Starts: 09:00 Finishes: 15:30Delivery Format : In Person