EDIM 513: u07a2 Final Thoughts

 Upon completion of the seven units from this course, I feel far more comfortable using inquiry-based learning in my instruction than I did 7 weeks ago. With a complete IBL unit plan and website already created, I think it will be easy to incorporate it into my plans and instruction for next year. 

I have also realized that I already use pieces of IBL in my instructions with the use of various Web 2.0 tools. I already use various presentation, video, and mobile tools to keep students engaged in their learning. I would like to do some more digging on Discovery Ed with the Science Techbooks to find some useful resources for my instruction. One thing I already use frequently is the educator SOS strategies. 

I believe I am most likely to use teacher-guided inquiry in my classroom. Knowing the population of students that I work with, too much "open-endedness" would be intimidating and cause them to shut down. With structured inquiry, I can keep a close rein on student productivity, making sure they remain on task with an end goal in mind. 

Overall, I am looking forward to incorporating true IBL into my classroom in the very near future. I feel more equipped to do so effectively and am excited to try something new!

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