Teachers+Delight+10-29


 * Today's PLC Lesson: Teacher Inquiry: Studying your own Practice** Today's PLC Lesson: Studying your own Practice **PLC**

**Group Name: Teachers Delight** **PLC Meeting Location: U.H** **PLC Meeting Time: 8:00 pm**


 * Hour 1**
 * //ENGAGE//**
 * As an anticipatory set for today’s lesson, please read the article “Getting "Inside Inquiry": Teachers' Questions Transform Their Practice“ []**

//One suggestion: []//
 * //EXPLORE//**


 * Hour 2**
 * //EXPLAIN//**


 * How do you think inquiring affects students' learning?**

Inquiring does not directly affect students' learning in the classroom. However, by using knowledge acquired through inquiry the teachers can better their teaching practices and the classroom environment and therefore improve students' learning. (Libbi Federow)

I think inquiring has a great impact on students' learning. Through inquiry students critical thinking skills would get better which lead to better choices. (Christina Lewis)

Inquiry impacts student's learning in a positive way. Teachers are able to ask questions and find better ways to do something that is not working or needs to change. When teachers find what works students are able to learn more and teachers are able to improve their teaching style. (Abby)


 * Why is it important to implement what other teachers have inquired about in your own classrooms?**

It is important to implement what other teachers have inquired about in my classroom because it will improve the learning environment and teach the children better. (Libbi Federow).

It is important to implement what other teachers have inquired about in your own classrooms because it would be accepting diversity. Teacher have great thoughts and ideas, but students need to be exposed to all options in order to have an open mind and opinion about things. (Christina Lewis)

It is important to implement what other teacher have inquired about in your own classroom because the technique that the teacher is using may work in your classroom. It is important to keep an open mind and be flexible if something is not working well. (Abby)


 * Do you think it is important to have teacher inquiry groups? Why or why not?**

I do think that it is important to have teacher inquiry groups because it gives teachers a place to discuss and evaluate their own teaching and get ideas about other teacher's inquiries. (Libbi Federow)

Yes, I do think it is important to have teacher inquiry groups, because it has been proven that children work and comprehend material well with peers rather than listening to a lecture from an adult. (Christina Lewis)

I think it is important for teachers to have inquiry groups because teachers are able to take ideas from other teachers and there is also a place to discuss what is working and not. (Abby)

As a group, make a list of teaching strategies of your own about which you have a wondering. You probably have things in common! Take turns selecting one to focus on and formulating a “wondering” about that strategy. Help each member to make a plan to initiate, analyze, and write-up this inquiry? What questions does each member have that the group can help sort out about the process?
 * //ELABORATE//**

How can I improve the behavior of students? How can I keep a student in task when he/she seem not to be interested in the topic? How can I make transitions from one place to others smoothly? How can i address behavioral problems when I'm teaching a lesson?

1. As a group, reflect on what you have learned today about studying your own teaching practice. Why should teachers ask questions about their own teaching? How would your job be different if you approach it with an inquiry stance versus approaching it with no intention to ask questions?
 * Hour 3**
 * //EVALUATE//**

Teacher should ask questions because this can help them understand better how to be a better teacher. Knowing what works better with students and what doesn't is very important. Some question that we think are important: Is all the class materials appropriated for students' age? Is the classroom is a safe environment for students' learning? Do you have a behavior plan?

2. As a group, draft a brief statement (approx 1-2 paragraphs) of what you learned or new understandings you came to during this discussion. What did you agree with/about, and what did you not agree with/about? How do you KNOW you learned and grew?!

I learned that it is important for teachers to ask question and to be open minded about things. I agree that inquiring lead to working together with your peers by asking questions. Like I mention before asking question about the way you teach and how you manage things and asking for feedback will help you be a better teacher. It important to know as a teacher what's working in your classroom, what is not working and the things that need a little change.

3. As a group, please look at the Assignments page for the description and grading rubric for the Inquiry #3 assignment. You will be selecting a teaching practice of your own to study. The format is the same as your other inquiries, and is detailed on the Assignments page for this assignment.

4. Individually, please send your “PLC Check” as an email to Dr. Pierson and Ida (mpierson@uh.edu; idalkm@hotmail.com): --What/Who worked well in today’s PLC meeting? --What/Who didn’t work so well in today’s PLC meeting? This PLC check is due emailed by Friday (10/29) at midnight