Embedded Files
Resources we have used for guiding collaborative inquiry
The Spiral of Inquiry
The Spiral of Inquiry
Why we have chosen to use the Spiral of Inquiry Framework at Myrtle Philip Community School
The Spiral of Inquiry assists network schools in taking an inquiry-oriented, evidence-based approach to learning and teaching — one that focuses on making the education system more equitable through the provision of high quality learning opportunities for all young people.
The Spiral of Inquiry has six key stages: scanning, focusing, developing a hunch, new professional learning, taking action and checking that a big enough difference has been made. At each stage in the spiral, three questions are asked: What is going on for our learners? How do we know? and Why does this matter?
The Spiral of Inquiry is about listening to learners and reflecting on our own practices as educators. The spiral image captures the nature of inquiry – a continuous process and not a fixed cycle. The six key stages in the framework help school teams take a disciplined approach to professional inquiry, but inevitably, the true process will be messy and you will move between the stages as needed. The spiral is never complete – new learning always brings about new questions, ways of knowing and new opportunities for our learners.
The six key stages are Scanning, Focusing, Developing a Hunch, Professional Learning, Taking Action, & Checking. Our school's process in each of these stages are outlined in more detail at these links.
Key resources we use to keep ourselves focused throughout the Spiral of Inquiry framework/process
Spiral-Playbook.pdfThe Spiral Playbook
A sample of how we use this framework in a staff meeting
3:00-3:15 Spirals Books:
Take a moment to read the scanning pages in the Spirals of Inquiry Playbook, highlighting key quotes (or phrases) that stand out to you.
(pg 24 &25)
3:15-3:30 First Turn Last Turn:
Each individual in the group reads one of the phrases they have highlighted. DO NOT EXPLAIN WHY YOU CHOSE THIS QUOTE!!!
Going around the table, each other person in the group responds to the quote finishing with the person who chose it.
3:30-4:00 Ready to conduct our scan: A/B Partners
Page 19 & 20
Asking ourselves these questions
What’s going on for our students?
They want individual feedback as well as being benchmarked against others
They need social belonging and friendships; academic side of school is secondary to that
A lot of information out there, especially for older students, they cannot org and synthesize the amount of data
How do we know?
Students are asking for feedback
Seeing it in the classroom and on the playground
Why does it matter?
Part of being a community, important to belong and feel safe in order to learn
We need critical thinkers that can filter all of the information out there
The importance of data
Homework:
Asking the four questions that matter (pg. 20)
Get at least a few students to answer these questions for the next staff meeting
Exit Ticket: OECD Learning Compass Video:
https://www.oecd.org/education/2030-project/teaching-and-learning/learning/
Decision Playbook.pdf
The Decision Playbook
The Decision Playbook
A sample of how we use this framework in a staff meeting
9781774920206_excerpt1.pdfLeading Through the Spirals of Inquiry: For Equity and Quality
A sample of how we use this framework in a staff meeting
3:15-3:35 Revisiting “Developing a Hunch”
Altering either reality or the goal to change the creative tension
What is Developing a Hunch?
Is there a sense of urgency? The evidence says this area of focus is really important for learners
Is it good for all? This focus will make a difference to multiple learners rather than to a select few
Do we have a critical mass? There is a reasonable level of staff commitment.
Is it manageable? Is it within the capacity of the group to tackle this area?
Does it address something complex? The focus area is a complex one that requires fresh thinking to make the changes required for learners.
Quietly read over the two pages on Developing a Hunch from the playbook (Pg 26 & 27)
Share a key takeaway from these pages with your group
Filling in the first box: Revisit our work from last month and be sure to fill in the "Inquire into Hunches" box
Inquire into the causes of the problem (identifying and checking hunches): What's maintaining the situation (that is within our control to change?)
How are we contributing to this status Quo?
3:35-3:45 Making Thinking Visible
Read the three page excerpt from “Making Thinking Visible”
Share a key takeaway from these pages with your group
3:45-4:15 Loose Parts with Jaclyn, Lee, & Brian
Split into grade groupings
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