C2 (Challenge): Defining our Focus in Inquiry Artwork

Confessions of a PYP Teacher

This podcast is for any teacher who is seeking for ways to enrich the learning in their classroom without breaking the bank. We will explore the simple steps on how to turn the traditional learning experience into one founded on practices of the PYP in 10 to 20 minute episodes. The PYP is part of the International Baccalaureate program, which focuses on developing the whole child by allowing students to create their own meaning from learning. If you’re not a PYP teacher, don’t worry. We’ll be sharing ideas that can be applied to your learning setting, because good practice can be used anywhere. https://thinkchat2020.weebly.com/podcast

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Confessions of a PYP Teacher

C2 (Challenge): Defining our Focus in Inquiry

July 02, 2020 • Lu Gerlach • Season 1 • Episode 2

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In our last episode, we spoke about how to find our focus as teachers, especially when we encounter uncertain times. One of the things that centers me is the Golden CIrcle by Simon Sinek. As we look towards making our WHY happen in our teaching, what are some practical things we can implement now to see a difference?

One of the best tools I created while still in the classroom revolves around the terms: engaging, challenging, relevant, and significant. The PYP refers to these terms when thinking about inquiry and developing inquiry-based lessons.

Like most teachers, I thought of them as isolated terms until one day my students asked to assess my lessons. At the time, I thought this was a bit cheeky for my students to ask to assess my brilliance, but these terms came to my mind instantly. Here is a brief definition:

Engaging

To engage is more than having fun, it awakens the mind to think and connect

Challenging

To challenge is confronting misconceptions and stretching ideas to a place of discomfort

Relevant

To find relevance is reflecting on prior and current experiences and delving into their implications

Significant

To find significance is bridging issues from our local experience and finding the commonality of the human experience around the world

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