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Research & Inquiry

Research & Inquiry

Welcome to the Research & Inquiry topic page. These resources are designed to spark deeper dialogue around teaching research and inquiry across the curriculum. Explore how to support learners in growing from mere consumers of information to independent thinkers and investigators, and receive regular inspiration on ways we can collaborate to create a culture of inquiry in our schools.

Building a Culture of Inquiry

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Authentic learning happens when students are allowed to explore their interests in connection to our curriculum. But in order to discover what interests them, students need to feel empowered to ask questions—especially ones without easy answers. To achieve this, educators can promote a culture of inquiry in their schools. Read More >>

From Passive Learning to Active Engagement: Rewriting Curriculum for Deeper Learning [20:26]

From Passive Learning to Active Engagement: Rewriting Curriculum for Deeper Learning [20:26]

Building inquiry curriculum that empowers deep and engaged student learning can seem like a daunting challenge—but patience and long-term vision can make all the difference. In this interview with ABC-CLIO, Erin Conklin, social studies curriculum specialist for Duval County Public Schools, shares how small, incremental adjustments to mindset and practice can lay the foundation for a culture of inquiry that gives students ownership of their own learning.

Reigniting Students' Curiosity: Your New Playbook [59:54]

Reigniting Students' Curiosity: Your New Playbook [59:54]

Curiosity is the foundation of deep and meaningful learning—in fact, research has shown that curiosity is among the most powerful determinants of academic achievement. In this engaging panel, four district leaders from around the country share lessons learned, best practices, and from-the-trenches wisdom about sparking and sustaining student curiosity in today's schools.

Increasing Student Engagement through Writing in Social Studies

Increasing Student Engagement through Writing in Social Studies

Curriculum development leader and District Partnerships Coordinator Jamie Filipow shares how her Houston ISD team helped social studies teachers instill greater disciplinary literacy in their student by incorporating substantive writing elements into their courses.

Inquiry Interventionists: How to Support Inquiry-Based Learning for All of Our Students

Inquiry Interventionists: How to Support Inquiry-Based Learning for All of Our Students

Inquiry-based learning is similar to other instructional approaches such as problem-based learning and project-based learning. Information literacy and research skills form the foundation of inquiry-based learning opportunities. This is where librarians can intervene and provide high levels of support for classroom instruction.

Inspiring Student Engagement: An Inquiry-Based Approach

Inspiring Student Engagement: An Inquiry-Based Approach

When it comes to increasing classroom engagement, an inquiry approach can help activate students' curiosity, strengthen their key thinking skills, and encourage learning ownership. But is it possible to bring inquiry into existing curriculum without reinventing the wheel? Social Studies Content Specialist Grant Skinner describes how he helped instructors in the Phoenix Union High School District use bite-sized inquiry activities to both reinforce what they already teach and meet new skill-centered district standards.

Classroom & Library

On the Road Again: The Stories Maps Can Tell

On the Road Again: The Stories Maps Can Tell

Investigations into the history, geography, and culture of Route 66 lend themselves beautifully to natural differentiation. Inquiry, when chosen by the students, allows them to jump in not only at their own level, but at their own level of interest.

Teaching Hard History: Using Inquiry to Help Students Navigate Challenging Topics

Teaching Hard History: Using Inquiry to Help Students Navigate Challenging Topics

Teaching U.S. history comes with some unique challenges; particularly, teaching the full American story that includes not-so-exceptional moments in our nation's ongoing development. In this interview, Social Studies Content Specialist Grant Skinner describes how he helps educators in his Phoenix high school district employ an inquiry mindset when it comes to hard history topics, leading students through the American narrative responsibly and acknowledging a full range of perspectives.

Supporting an Inquiry Mindset for Students and Teachers

Supporting an Inquiry Mindset for Students and Teachers

Vivienne Blake share how her library program cultivates essential inquiry skills while supporting the school's inquiry-based International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.

Nudging toward Inquiry.

Nudging toward Inquiry. "What's Inquiry? Well, I Know It When I See It"

Kristin Fontichiaro recognizes the need to transition lesson plans from fact driven to inquiry based. Exploring what lessons were and what they can be, the author believes that school librarians who integrate inquiry into their program are more valuable to the educational team.

Classroom & Library

Reflective Questions through the Process of Inquiry

Reflective Questions through the Process of Inquiry

Barbara Stripling provides reflection questions for students to ask themselves throughout their process of inquiry. Students can use these questions to decide if they have completed a phase of inquiry and are prepared for the research demands of the next phase. Learners who reflect on their own process of inquiry, as well as the content they are investigating, will be able to self-regulate their inquiry experience and maintain momentum throughout.