5)+Inquiry+Projects

__ Inquiry Projects __  “An inquiry and problem solving approach to literacy means: (1) Knowing when I have an information need, question or a problem that requires new information; (2) Navigating, browsing and “reading the landscape” of Internet sites; (3) Word processing skills fully integrated into the writing process; (4) Communication skills using e-mail, text messaging, blogs, and on-line social networks; and (5) Integrating other media formats such as slide shows, mash-ups, wikis, video clips, sound bites and emerging digital formats into their writing and publishing activities.” (Asselin & Doiron, 2008) Teacher-librarians and school communities are moving away from traditional research projects and focusing on inquiry and resource based learning. Inquiry allows students to explore topics that are relevant and meaningful to them. Students are not passive receivers of knowledge but instead construct their own knowledge as they access information from both text and digital resources. Collaborative learning occurs between students as they support each other with how to use and access technology and traditional methods to retrieve and store information efficiently and effectively. The province of Alberta has adopted the “[|Focus in Inquiry]” document for use in school libraries. I have found this document invaluable when collaborating with teachers to develop and teach inquiry to students in our school library. Students learn to ask thoughtful questions and to think critically. They are able to choose how they represent their knowledge and are taught various methods of presentation – both traditional and technologically based. Students are able to have their diverse educational needs met through inquiry projects.