Expert searching - Google

Searches

Despite Google's all knowing AI, I put some thought into a few search strings I hope will yield relevant results:

"Learning environment" OR "learning space" AND "inquiry" OR "enquiry"

9,190,00 results.

A mix of journals, blogs and government pages. I read through a handful and notice the different terminology used to describe what I would call the learning environment. The term learning environment seems to be used to describe more than just the physical space. I'll drop the term "environment" and focus more on "learning space".

After reviewing the string, I realise I need to apply some operational order to the term by adding brackets. I try ("Learning environment" OR "learning space") AND ("inquiry" OR "enquiry") but it makes no difference. Google knows what I mean.

"Learning space" AND "inquiry" OR "enquiry"

210,000 results.

The results from this string are more relevant than the first. This highlights to me the range of terms we use in education to describe the same thing and how important it is to understand the nuances between systems.

"Learning space" AND ("inquiry pedagogy" OR "enquiry pedagogy")

435 results.

I chose this string because I want to focus on the organisation of learning and how this is supported by space.

I don't get the desired effect. The results seem to be focused more on pedagogy, with the term "space" being used to describe a location - e.g. school, university, rather than the arrangement of that location.

I decide to deviate slightly to focused on the social interactions within inquiry learning. I figure that I can combine what I learn about designing space with what I learn about social interactions.

"Social" AND "inquiry learning"

327,000 results.

A large number of resources for inquiry learning in social science/studies. I try using a NOT connector to remove social science results. It doesn't appear to have removed social science results. I read over the "how to" guide and it seems Google ignores the NOT operator.

Social -science AND "inquiry learning"

These searches don't have the desired result. I'm trying to learn about social interactions in inquiry learning but I keep getting social science studies. I go back to my synonym board and try using different terms.

Reflection

I feel that precision is not that important for a Google search. Whilst I got a huge number of results, it felt a bit overwhelming. This search certainly has not provided any clarity and if anything has left me disorientated. I was hoping to explore the nexus of physical space and social interactions, but I couldn't find anything in this space.

My next search

Google Scholar