How much time do you spend on Inquiry Buddies?

We officially time-table in one 1hr block a week for buddies to meet. Mini-lessons are taught in the classroom at other times. When groups need more time, we are flexible in providing them with this time.

How do you assess Inquiry Buddies?

We formatively assess Inquiry Buddies.  This means that we carefully monitor them every step of the way, providing formative feedback on their thinking and process.  We believe that providing a summative assessment on any aspect of Inquiry Buddies takes away from the initial goals, which is to excite and ignite passions for learning. Inquiry Buddies is a place where students practice skills and then these can be assessed in a summative way in other places.  Please see Nadine's detailed account of how we assess here. 

How important are mini-lessons?

Mini lessons are ESSENTIAL to ensuring that students utilize Inquiry Buddy time effectively.  We found both years that students of all ages need direct practice and lessons on what Accountable Talk is and what it looks like.  In addition, all students need lessons or refreshers on how to properly search, what is a valid source etc. 

What happens if someones topic fits nowhere?

Unfortunately this does happen.  This year, a few students have opted to work on their own.  Most students do end up fitting somewhere, even if it is under a larger 'umbrella' topic.  For example students are interested in mining, rocks and crystals, and volcanoes were placed together in a larger group - geology.  They then support each other and find connections between their three topic areas.

What is my commitment of time as a teacher facilitating Inquiry Buddies?

Commitment is dependent on the extent to which your students want / need time to work on their inquiry during class time.  Currently, we officially schedule one hour a week for groups to meet and work together.  This hour often turns into a full afternoon, because students want the time.  In addition, each of us provides our students with time to work in class as needed.  In the weeks leading up to an inquiry fair, we give the students more opportunities to work with their group to ensure their final share out is collaborative and complete.  
As teacher's you also need to be committed to working together.  There needs to  be time for the teachers to meet and talk about what is working and not working.   Due to the fact that you are 'sharing' each others students, you need to be committed to taking time to get to know the students from other classes that you are working with.

Can Inquiry Buddies be done without multi-age groupings?

This year, some of the common interests happened within the same grade.  We thought we would allow these students to try same age Inquiry Buddies.  So far so  good.  The problem with attempting with only your own class is that the variety of topics may not be as wide.  The chance of 30 different topics is very possible.  The more classes the more cross over!

How does this link to new BC Curriculum?

We love how Inquiry Buddies is a great vehicle for students to use and develop the Core Competencies outlined in the new BC Curriculum Draft documents.  See our detailed analysis of how Inquiry Buddies and Core Competencies are connected.