Meredith Wallace

    Inquiry learning gives students the opportunity to use critical thinking with real-world, engaging activities in a hands-on environment developing deep understanding of the content they are exploring.  There were a lot of good points made in the article, “Implementing-Inquiry”.  It states that inquiry is for “both teachers and students to collaboratively build, test, and reflect on their learning.”  “Inquiry is not merely ‘having students do projects’ but rather strives to nurture a deep, discipline-based way of thinking and doing with students.”  In my elementary school, I do not think inquiry learning takes place as often as it should.  It would be wonderful to see more learning taking place like Diana Laufenberg described in her video, “How to Learn From Mistakes”.  Students learn more when they play an active role in the classroom. My thoughts for my mini-lessons have gone in a lot of different directions.  I’m thinking about using social studies and focusing on the sta

    I am on my way to achieving the learning goals that I stated in my first blog.  I have learned more about using Twitter, Blogger, and content curation.  Trying to meet the requirements each week with no prior knowledge of these resources however has been very difficult.  Now that school is out for the summer (Yippee!!), I will have more time to research and learn even more.      After the information on growth mindset this week, I would add to my goals to learn more about how I can help my students develop a growth mindset.  In the article, "Even Geniuses Work Hard", by Carol S. Dweck, it says, "Students with a fixed mindset do not like effort.  They believe that if you have ability, everything should come naturally."  This would describe the large majority of my 3rd graders.  They give up easily, and they don't ask questions.  Why do they think asking questions is a sign of weakness?  In Carol S. Dweck's interview, she tells how they taught students ab