This past week we had a lovely presentation by Trevor MacKenzie and had the privilege of hearing all of his inquiry-based insights and expertise.

Trevor spoke about the various characteristics of what an inquiry classroom is and what it might look like. Through this, I learned that an inquiry classroom promotes students to develop perseverance, growth mindset, and empowerment. In turn, students are motivated and encouraged to nurture their passions and talents, problem solve, take ownership of learning, and more, allowing them to engage with what they are learning in the most meaningful way.

Through Trevor’s presentation, I also learned about the values that constructivist educators uphold, which involves allowing students to have agency over their own work, which promotes a sense of confidence, curiosity, reflection, and more in which students are actively contributing to their learning and learning environments.

It was also great to learn about the different approach’s educators can take to inquiry, including structured inquiry, controlled inquiry, guided inquiry, and free inquiry. I believe there is so much value in all of these inquiry adaptations, and I look forward to incorporating and developing them in my future practice.

Overall, I found Trevor’s presentation to be highly insightful and inspiring. Trevor’s care and enthusiasm for his students and education are infectious, and I hope to channel much of that energy into my future work.