reflection 4

As an old saying goes: Instead of giving a hungry man a fish to eat, show that same man how to fish so he can eat a life time. In other words, if you want someone to obtain a skill and/or understand that skill, allow that person to learn the skill. Show and illustrate that skill in many ways so that person understands the process to show others. This is a way of applying inquiry-base learning. It requires the participation of an individual or group involving in the process of learning. Retaining the knowledge of a skill learned can last a life time and help generations to come. The main purpose of the inquiry-base learning is to ask questions in order to gain understanding and to become more informed as a student. In any educational system, students should be encouraged to ask question, to get involve in any activity or discussion that could help to improve their understanding of the subject matter. This method did not exist in my school system when I was a child in the 70’s. Asking question was considered a form of disrespect and that the teacher answer was always correct. In the Inquiry-base learning asking question is fundamental part of gaining knowledge and a foundation of a strong academic background. Technology makes it easier to obtain information 24 hours 7days a week. All this technology has made it almost unless to memorize any facts in any subject area. As teachers, we need to find a way to help student’s research information without the internet providing straight forward answer. We have to be able shape and train their minds as it was a habit or second nature to know how to research and want to research if given (or chosen). That’s what Inquiry process is about. By applying this process throughout our career as teachers, we can make a great positive impact to our students, then they can make in impact in the community and then to our society. Hopefully, this would make learning an enjoyable process that would encourage students to be share with others.