Learning Objectives

• Learn about the different dimensions that comprise INFOhio's inquiry model.

This class outlines how to use ISearch when guiding students through the inquiry process. There are many models of inquiry you can learn more about in the INFOhio Learning Pathway class What is Inquiry?

For this class, we will use INFOhio's Dimensions of Inquiry. 

INFOhio's Dimensions of Inquiry

INFOhio's Dimensions of Inquiry was designed to support students and teachers through the inquiry process. As a student-centered approach to learning, the inquiry process is how students construct meaning and arrive at new understandings. INFOhio's model of inquiry is unique in that the process is neither linear nor cyclical. INFOhio takes a real-world approach to inquiry, understanding that all of the "dimensions" of inquiry can happen at any time throughout the process and may be repeated. The different dimensions that comprise INFOhio's inquiry model lay the foundation for many INFOhio tools created for student learning.

INFOhio's inquiry model includes six dimensions:

Questioning: Whether developed by the teacher, the student, or in partnership between both, establishing essential questions to guide the inquiry process is important for successful inquiry. Read the INFOhio blog post, Inquiry and INFOhio: Questioning to learn how to maximize powerful questioning strategies and resources to spark student curiosity.

Locating Information: Locating information within reliable, trustworthy, and quality resources is only one aspect of this dimension. Students learn how to explore relationships among ideas, recognize when more information is needed, and take notes. Read the INFOhio blog post, Inquiry and INFOhio: Locating Information to understand how this dimension of the inquiry process helps students select the best resources to answer their questions. 

Evaluating Information: Got the fake news blues? Teaching students how to evaluate information is a vital skill to navigate a digital world of suspect texts. Whether evaluating the contents of a contract, or reading an article from a website, evaluating the quality of information is a life skill students will continue to use beyond the classroom. Review the INFOhio blog post, Inquiry and INFOhio: Evaluating Information to learn how to foster in students the ability to evaluate information.

Applying Information: Students need instruction and support to apply learned information as they construct new meaning and understandings. Skim the INFOhio blog post, Inquiry and INFOhio: Applying Information to learn how to support students as they use information to build, create, and deepen their learning.  

Sharing Information: Transform students into educators and advocates as students share their learning. Scan the INFOhio blog post, Inquiry and INFOhio: Sharing Information to discover digital tools students can use to share their learning to make an impact on their communities.

Reflecting: Reflecting is sometimes an overlooked dimension in other inquiry models. In INFOhio's Dimensions of Inquiry, reflection happens continually throughout the inquiry process, allowing students to re-examine both the content they learned and the inquiry skills they are developing. Reflection enables students to solidify their learning and apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills to new experiences. Review the INFOhio blog post, Inquiry and INFOhio: Reflecting to learn more about how to integrate meaningful reflection practice into your classroom.