Aha! Moment

Yes I've had my own little aha! moment. The lightbulb is flickering due to our essential reading "Introduction to guided Inquiry - What is it, what's new, why now?" Everything we've looked at so far is connected in this article: the roles of the TL; collaboration; leadership, constructivist learning; information literacy; curriculum; the information process etc. Guided Inquiry connects all this together and in my view should be the main instructional framework for all schools.
What challenges do I foresee in the implementation of such an approach? The main one is probably getting everyone on board - teachers, parents, students, executive. I think it would work best as a whole school approach but if that was not happening you could still make a difference with just a few classes and some teacher support. You are also going to get students who lack motivation, no matter what you throw at them but I think it would be great with the majority of students.

Information Process Models with Potential

So what information process models do I feel have potential for use in my school? I cannot be sure until I actually have the chance to use some because it would really depend on the students and their needs. A few things I am certain of however -

• I do not particularly like the one currently promoted by the DET. I have used that on a short term basis and I think in its current form it's a bit impractical and boring. I think a model needs a catchy name (ie PLUS model or BIG6) and there needs to be some great resources to support it thoughout the whole school.
• Whichever model used needs to include the students' perspectives, acknowledge their feelings and reflection.
• Ideally the model needs to be used throughout the school, in all subjects on a regular basis.
• Research by the TL/teachers is essential to gain knowledge in to how the students are learning and using the model.

Studies on Information Process Models

Part of our essential reading for topic 4 includes two articles about studies on information process models (The Big 6 and PLUS models). When I first started reading I thought why on earth do we need to read about these studies - what valuable information can I get from these readings? It took a bit of thinking but this is what I came up with -

• The studies show there is definite value in using information process models. There is a potential link between information problem-solving models and metacognitive skills (one of the essential skills students must possess in order to be successful in problem-based learning activities).
• Strengthened metacognitive skills can be applied to a variety of learning situations.
• With appropriate support, students can succeed at complex, learner centred, research oriented tasks.
• Using a model can boost students confidence when approaching problem solving tasks.
• Through a collaborative approach this type of metacognitive support can be effectively integrated into the school curriculum.
• Students themselves view scaffolding models as beneficial.
• Learners need to use models many times until it becomes almost second nature and then it should be gradually withdrawn to reduce reliance.
• Models are best used how learners want to use them.
• Models do not need to be used in a linear process.

And most importantly I think the studies show that TLs have much to gain from studying and evaluating how their students use a information process model so that they can understand better how learners learn and how to effectively integrate the information process into the curriculum.