Lintels of inquiry

Creating

One key difference between a research task and a true inquiry is how much agency students have to produce an authentic piece of work, rather than reproducing something that already exists.

The three diamonds model of inquiry facilitates critical and creative thinking. One element of critical and creative thinking is generating ideas, possibilities and actions. By allowing students to negotiate or determine their questions, processes, products and ways of communicating findings, we can give them opportunities to be original and creative.

Taking action

These outcomes of inquiry are inspired by the GeSTE model of information literacy perspectives (Lupton 2008; Lupton & Bruce 2010). The basis of the transformative perspective is to empower students to challenge the status quo and to effect social change, locally and globally.

Questions to ask to consider if these outcomes are encouraged:

Transformative

• How are students encouraged to challenge the status quo and take action?

• How are students encouraged to consider voices that are not heard and voices that are privileged?

Expressing oneself

The expressive perspective is highly subjective and gives students opportunities to express their identity and self.

Questions to ask to consider if these outcomes are encouraged:

Expression

• How are students encouraged to express their voices?

• How are students encouraged to express their feelings?