This week, we were tasked with teaching an inquiry-based lesson for 30 minutes. I was really excited to teach this lab after seeing examples of inquiry-based instruction in action!
Gems
I think some gems that I had for this experience was having multiple layers to the inquiry activity. For the interest approach, I read a story prompt that had students engaged before the activity started. I also had students analyze sticky cards on their own and then discuss their findings with each other. Finally, I had students analyze an article in order to justify their conclusions. During this activity, I had students utilize a data sheet which they found very helpful for the activity.
Opps
I think some opportunities I had for this lab are to pose deeper thinking questions to the students either verbally or on the data sheet. Another opportunity that I noticed would be to fix the prompt so that is does not come off as childish but rather a more serious case that the students are supposed to figure out. Finally, the last opportunity that I saw would be to slow down my directions and the activity to include checks for understanding.
Final Thoughts
Overall I think my first inquiry-based instruction lesson went well. I plan to incorporate the opportunities I listed above in order to make the lesson better for my student teaching internship.
Olivia, nice job reflecting on your gems and opps! I like how you propose ways to turn your opps into gems for the next time you use this lesson. Please make sure to provide detail/background info of the lesson to help your readers understand the context in which it was taught.
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