13.+Inquiry+Models

//**Focus on Inquiry: A Teacher’s Guide to Implementing Inquiry-based Learning **//**. ** Edmonton, Alberta: Alberta Learning, 2004. Web. .

I first learned about the Alberta Inquiry Model, detailed in this PDF, through S574: Information Inquiry for School Teachers. Of all the inquiry models I explored, this was my favorite because it was clear but not gimmicky. If I am hired at a school that does not currently utilize an inquiry model, I would likely use this one or a derivative of this one. The document, because of its details, is extremely helpful but also a bit heavy.

“Welcome to the Big 6.” **//The Big 6 //. ** Big6, 2012. Web. 23 April, 2011. .

I first utilized this website to learn about the model in S574: Information Inquiry for School Teachers. The website is a useful tool for exploring the Big 6 model, because in addition to a thorough explanation, it includes all sorts of resources that can be utilized to teach and teach with the model, including lesson plans and handouts. A weakness of the model is that, because it does not include reflection throughout, it is actually a research model.

Lamb, Annette, and Larry Johnson. **"8Ws of Information Inquiry."** //Virtual Information Inquiry//. EduScapes, 2005-2011. Web. .

I first learned about the 8Ws inquiry model in S574: Information Inquiry for School Teachers. This website is the authoritative source on the model because it was created by Annette Lamb and she and Larry Johnson are the authors of the site. This is among my least favorite inquiry models because it uses “cute” language rather than clear language and it also isn't portrayed as a cycle. I do, however, see the value of using alliteration to help grade school students to learn the stages of the inquiry process.

McKenzie, Jamie. **"The Research Cycle."** //The Question Mark//. Jamie McKenzie. Web. .

Jamie McKenzie’s Research Cycle, though it is not true inquiry due to the lack of reflection throughout, is a model I really appreciate. I like that it’s cyclical—in my experience with inquiry or research, this is a reality. I also like how clearly it’s explained on McKenzie’s website. The weakness of this website is that it’s fairly disorganized.