Online Course

Cycle of Inquiry

The Classroom Cycle of Inquiry is an ongoing improvement process that enables teachers to use data to identify a skills gap in their classrooms, and explore an inquiry question around which to study their teaching practices. This eight week course is designed for teachers, principals, reform coordinators, and coaches who want to learn the rationale for inquiry and the steps involved in carrying out a classroom cycle. By the end of the course, participants have an understanding of:

• Planning and implementing of a classroom Cycle of Inquiry
• How to formulate an inquiry question
• The importance of "focal students"
• The importance of collaborating with others in doing the classroom Cycle of Inquiry
• The importance of and ideas for collecting data on your own practice
• The importance and payoff of becoming a "critically reflective teacher"

Each week, participants are assigned to read various selections and/or examine tools and post their reactions to a discussion board. Participants will use the discussion board to talk about how the curriculum relates to their own experiences, and to comment on points made by their classmates. This course is particularly beneficial for those who want to learn about classroom inquiry in a flexible, engaging environment where they can share ideas with other educators working on inquiry-based reform.

Who Should Take the Cycle of Inquiry Course?

Designed primarily for coaches, teachers, reform coordinators, principals, support providers. Also, highly recommended for educators involved in conducting inquiry or coaching others in classroom inquiry or formal teacher reflection.

Course Schedule

	Dates			Session Topic
			Spring 2007
Week 1	This course is being redesigned. Check back for new dates in 2007.			Introductions & Course Environment: Why Inquiry?
Week 2				An Overview of Planning and Implementing the Classroom Cycle of Inquiry
Week 3				Selecting Focal Students and Investigating Your Interaction with Them
Week 4				The Importance of Collecting Data on Teacher Practice
Week 5				Developing an Inquiry Question
Week 6				Examining Progress of Focal Students in Collaboration with Others
Week 7				Using Classroom Cycles to Inform Whole School Inquiry
Week 8				Evaluation

What People are Saying

Here's some of what past participants said about their experience in the course:

"One of the most important things I will take from the course is the vital necessity of examining how teacher practice and interaction with students affects student achievement. Collecting data about what teachers do, how well they do it and reflecting on how it helps or hinders students needs to become a regular part of every teachers practice. I know I will make it part of mine."

"I enjoyed the interaction with peers through the discussion board. Participants were not only thoughtful in their responses, but cited personal experiences which I could then relate to my coaching experiences. New to the Cycle of Inquiry, the course gave me a better perspective of the process from beginning to end."

"I liked the online atmosphere of the course and the deep inquiry approach with a focus around equity. I have also enjoyed the opportunity to learn from others in the course and looking at inquiry through the lens of the teacher, teacher trainer, coach and administrator. I loved the tools and case study approach that allowed me to reflect on my own practice and that of my teachers."

Sign Up

For information on on course content or how to sign up for the Cycle of Inquiry Online Course, email Brian Simmons.