Stimulate The Mind!

During the second week of my Best Practices in Gifted Education class, we explored a variety of strategies that address the learning needs of gifted individuals. I found this week's topics (encouraging creativity, multiple intelligences, higher level thinking and Inquiry Based Learning & Teaching) to be highly intriguing (to the point that I am researching and implementing several new teaching strategies in my classroom).  

All of the above topics are ways of stimulating the mind by encouraging analytical thinking, exploratory (rather than rote) learning, addressing all the different modes we use as humans to learn (visual, spatial, auditory, tangible) and allowing students to dive into the learning process rather than simply hear it lectured to them. The benefit of these learning strategies is that retention and comprehension develop at a much higher level. Like the picture below:

 


One of my favorite strategies is Inquiry Based Learning. As stated from the Northeastern Illinois University website (link below), "Inquiry-based instruction is a student-centered and teacher-guided instructional approach that engages students in investigating real world questions that they choose within a broad thematic framework". 

"Inquiry-Based instruction complements traditional instruction by providing a vehicle for extending and applying the learning of students in a way that connects with their interests within a broader thematic framework. Students acquire and analyze information, develop and support propositions, provide solutions, and design technology and arts products that demonstrate their thinking and make their learning visible".


This video, is a creative and visually stimulating, stop-motion animation that helps to define Inquiry Based Learning:

 This article also helped me with a few easy guidelines when designing Inquiry Based Learning strategies in my Visual Arts classes:

10 Tips for Inquiry-Based Learning 


Lastly, this site is also a strong resource for all things Inquiry Based:

Northeastern Illinois Univeristy- Inquiry Based Learning Site