WICOR

WICOR

AVID’s proven learning support structure, known as WICOR , incorporates teaching/learning methodologies in the critical areas of:

  • Writing to Learn

  • Inquiry

  • Collaboration

  • Organization

  • Reading to Learn

WICOR provides a learning model that educators can use to guide students in comprehending concepts and articulating ideas at increasingly complex levels (scaffolding) within developmental, general education, and discipline-based curricula.

Each year in the AVID elective, students work on all WICOR skills and strategies with the goal of refining and advancing their ability to practice these skills independently as they mature.

Writing to Learn is:

  • A learning tool

  • A personal and public communication tool

  • A record of thinking

Students who write:

  • Consider audience and purpose

  • Engage in various writing processes to address specific situations

  • Support their thinking

  • Demonstrate understanding

Inquiry is:

  • Uncovering oneʻs understanding

  • Asking critical questions

  • Engaging in thinking, learning and discussion

Students who inquire:

  • Analyze and synthesize materials or ideas

  • Clarify their own thinking

  • Probe othersʻ thinking

  • Work through ambiguity

Collaboration is:

  • Teamwork with shared responsibility

  • Sharing of ideas, information and opinions

  • Formal and informal discussion

Students who collaborate:

  • Work together toward a common goal

  • Develop positive interdependence

  • Work in focused study groups

  • Support the learning of others through inquiry

Organization is:

  • Managing materials and practicing methodical study habits

  • Planning and prioritizing school, work and social tasks

  • Engaging in mental preparation and goal-setting

  • Strategically and intentionally taking responsibility for oneʻs own learning

Students who organize:

  • Develop and use processes, procedures and tools to study effectively

  • Manage their time through prioritizing and goal-setting

  • Are prepared for courses, participate during instruction and interact with instructors

  • Self-direct, self-evaluate, self-monitor and self-advocate

Reading to Learn is:

  • Strategically gaining meaning, understanding and knowledge from print and other media

  • Purpose-driven

  • Interactive

Students who read:

  • Understand text structures

  • Apply prior knowledge and make connections to other text, self and world

  • Make predictions and ask questions

  • Create visual images as they read