Teaching as Inquiry

As we embark on our Teaching as Inquiry we know that it is important to have the opportunity to research into the areas in which we are focusing. It is not enough to have a 'hunch' about what is needed or what may work. Through professional discussion, assessment data, observations, bookwork and professional readings we can make decisions about groups of children, areas that could be possible focus areas for them and gather information about potential changes to put in place for these children. Through differentiation of our programme we can look to make changes that will benefit individuals or groups. 
In New Zealand our researchers publish in a magazine called SET. This is put out throughout the year and contains research articles on different curriculum areas, as well as topics such as teacher professional learning, pedagogy, teaching as inquiry, priority learners and e-learning.
There a three magazines currently stored in the Meeting Room (my old office) which you are welcome to browse and photocopy, but please leave them here for others to access.
























Another option for research ideas is through the 'Tall Poppies' magazines. These are put out by the New Zealand Association for Gifted Children and include articles about topics such as growing up gifted, perfectionism, spelling, science and technology, being twice exceptional (2E - children who are gifted but who also have learning needs such as autism) and also has articles about how our gifted children are succeeding overseas. 
These would be particularly useful if you are looking at how to differentiate your programme to involve more choice and control for your children, how to cater for 2E children or if your target group are high achieving children who are potentially not meeting their potential. These are stored in a blue ring binder called "Tall Poppies Magazines", also in the meeting room beside the professional texts folder.

These are two great options if you would like to do some professional readings in your Teaching as Inquiry area.

- Angela