Ways to learn through inquiry: Children as researchers (Pre-K to Year 2) - presented by Dr Jo Fahey

PL # 11148

  • Starting on 11 May 2017
  • Cancellation permitted until 08 May 2017
  • Event registrations closed on 08 May 2017

Delivery Format :

Event registration is Closed

Description

 
Young children are naturally curious: they seek to find things out, to explore possibilities. They engage in research in ways that occur naturally to them. How do we support children’s natural inquisitiveness, while still maintaining autonomy for the child and manageability for the educators?
 

Too often, research in schools is defined as asking a question and going to a digital device to look for the answer.  Although this is one way of conducting research, for young children in particular — especially those with emergent reading skills — there are more effective and developmentally appropriate ways of finding out.  In this workshop these ways that young children can engage in research will be unpacked.

Jo will explore a range of practical strategies that she has used to support children’s research in early years settings. Examples of children forming expert groups and/or working with older buddies or adults will be discussed, as well as using parents and caregivers to help children set up experiments, design and conduct surveys or interview members of the public. Also featured will be the power of researching through ‘place’, experiencing a place on many occasions to see, for example, changes in seasons, changes in growth of plants and animals and a host of other ways.

Come along to this workshop to explore how young children, in their early years of schooling, develop the research skills that will become the keystone of much of their later learning. Bring along your ideas and examples. 

This session provides a foundation for the ideas presented in Jo’s subsequent workshop, Inquiring Through Playful Literacy, which will be held the following day. Educators can elect to attend one session, or both. Educators who wish to attend both days must register for each workshop separately. 

All attendees will receive a copy of Dr Fahey’s  book – 'Ways to Learn Through Inquiry: Guiding Children to Deeper Understanding'.

 

Presenters

Jo Fahey

Jo Fahey

Dr Jo Fahey has over thirty years experience as a teacher, researcher, curriculum writer and workshop leader in Australia, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. For many years Jo has alternated between teaching in schools and kindergartens, working in the university sector and leading professional learning for educators from Kindergarten to Grade 7.

While teaching in international schools in the 90’s, Jo became a curriculum developer for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, with special emphasis on the early years. On returning to Australia she conducted extensive research in schools, leading to a doctoral dissertation. This, in turn, led to the publication of a book, Ways to Learn Through Inquiry: Guiding Children to Deeper Understanding, published in 2012 by the International Baccalaureate.

With her passion for teaching and learning Jo has always maintained a strong presence in classrooms. By returning to teaching at frequent intervals, Jo understands the day-to-day joys and challenges that educators encounter. Jo is a strong advocate for children, especially when it comes to providing time and inviting spaces for play. She believes that children are capable and competent and have a great need for expression. Jo lives in Adelaide, Australia with her husband, Kelvin, and their two sons.

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Segments

Event Segment

Date / Time

11 May 2017 Starts: 08:30 Finishes: 15:30

Delivery Format : In Person

Methodist Ladies' College - Claremont

PL Hours : 6.50

Learning Area

  • Early Childhood

School Area

  • Early Childhood (PK - 2)

Event Contact