Penelope Pareja Jarillo

Penelope is a PYP Homeroom Teacher at the Agora Lledo International School

This session is a powerful exploration of how inquiry-based learning  can transform not just teaching practices, but the mindsets of both teachers and students. By equipping educators with practical tools, visible thinking strategies, and collaborative learning approaches, the session empowers teachers to become confident facilitators of meaningful, student-driven inquiry.

At the same time, the session highlights how fostering curiosity, independence, and reflection in young learners enables them to take ownership of their learning journeys. Through learning walls, questioning techniques, and real classroom examples, participants will discover how to create environments where students feel seen, heard, and capable of directing their own inquiries.

Teachers will leave not only with ready-to-use strategies, but with renewed confidence in their role as lifelong learners and guides. The session positions empowerment as both a mindset and a practice—where agency, reflection, and authentic learning are at the heart of every inquiry.

By focusing on real-world connections, practical collaboration, and the developmental needs of young learners, this session directly supports the "Empower" category by showing how inquiry can be a launchpad for lifelong learning—for everyone in the classroom.

Curiosity is the spark that ignites meaningful learning, and inquiry is the path that sustains it. As educators, even if we are not in the Primary Years Programme (PYP), embracing inquiry isn’t just a pedagogical shift—it’s a mindset transformation. This interactive session is designed to support teachers in navigating that shift, making the complexities of inquiry-based learning both practical and empowering.

Together, we’ll explore how inquiry nurtures student agency, supports transdisciplinary learning, and builds the foundations for lifelong learning—for our students and ourselves. Grounded in both theory and hands-on practice, this session offers a blend of reflection, collaboration, and creativity to make inquiry feel accessible and actionable, no matter where you are on your PYP journey.

What to Expect:

1. Theory in Action: Practices for Inquiry-Based Learning in the PYP

We’ll connect core elements of the PYP—student agency, voice, and choice—with the power of inquiry. Drawing on current research, participants will examine how inquiry supports young learners’ cognitive, emotional, and social growth.

Activity: Collaboratively map inquiry practices to transdisciplinary themes in small groups.

2. From Collaboration to Creation: Practical Inquiry Examples

Explore how cooperative learning tasks can drive critical thinking and creativity. Discover how structured group inquiry can deepen engagement and problem-solving skills.

Activity: Design an inquiry-based group task relevant to your classroom context, such as a science investigation or community exploration.

3. Thinking Made Visible: Routines and Questions that Drive Inquiry

Dive into the power of questioning and Visible Thinking Routines to scaffold learners’ thinking and reflection. Learn how to guide students toward deeper understanding through structured, intentional dialogue.

Activity: Practice a Visible Thinking Routine or a question routine and reflect on how it can enhance your learners’ inquiry journey.

4. Independent, Reflective Learners: Designing Effective Learning Walls

Learn how to use classroom learning walls to promote self-direction, reflection, and ownership of learning. Share and gain ideas for visual tools and resources that empower students to drive their own inquiries.

Activity: Brainstorm and sketch a learning wall tailored to your learners, emphasizing independence and agency.

Throughout the session, you’ll engage in meaningful dialogue, draw connections to your own classroom experiences, and walk away with a toolkit of practical strategies that align with PYP principles and values. Whether you’re new to the PYP or seeking to deepen your inquiry practice, this session will inspire you to see yourself—and your students—as empowered, curious, and capable lifelong learners.

Session Outcomes

1. Practical Strategies to Foster Student Agency Through Inquiry:

Teachers will leave with concrete tools—such as Visible Thinking Routines, collaborative inquiry tasks, and purposeful questioning techniques—that they can immediately implement to support student voice, choice, and ownership of learning in the PYP classroom.

2. Confidence in Designing and Facilitating Inquiry-Based Learning:

Educators will gain a deeper understanding of how to make inquiry accessible and manageable. They'll feel empowered to create learning environments—like inquiry-focused learning walls and collaborative structures—that promote curiosity, independence, and lifelong learning for both students and themselves