Keystone Academy Emphasizes Inquiry-based Learning
By Pun Fan, Assistant Head of Primary School and Director of Chinese
Inquiry-based learning is fundamental to the Keystone-style of
teaching and learning. It covers a wide range of subjects and content,
including interdisciplinary and multifaceted inquiry-based studies of
sciences, social sciences, language and culture, mathematics, sports
and art. Science subjects cover the field of biological system, natural
environment, structure and mechanics, materials and energy,
astronomy and geography, earth and universe. Social science subjects cover the field of health
education, history and society, cultural customs, economic exchange and cooperation, technology and
everyday life. Topics in Language and culture include
listening, speaking, reading, writing, literary appreciation,
reading aloud, and social linguistics. The topics with
regard to mathematics include mathematical concepts,
logical reasoning, problem solving and the application of
math in everyday life. Sports-related topics include
discussion and studies of basic skills, sports competitions,
and first-aid skills for sports injuries. Martial arts subjects
include spirit of martial arts, martial arts skills,
competition, and first-aid skills for related injuries. In the field of music, dance and drama, the topics
include exploration of basic skills, and performing art and creation. In fine arts, the topics cover
exploration of basic skills, different artists and art schools, and art
creation.
Inquiry-based
learning
is
centered
on
thematic
learning,
experiential learning and constructive inquiry-based learning.
Thematic learning starts with the fundamental concepts of each
subject before carrying out in-depth research into theme-based
contents. Experiential learning focuses on practical experience,
participation in field research to expand students’ horizon and
learning experience, effectively combining learning and everyday
life.
Constructive inquiry-based learning adopts the following approaches:
1.
Preparation: Students are encouraged to raise questions based on key words in accordance with
learning objectives; teachers have a thorough understanding of the existing knowledge base of
students; in-class discussions are carried out between teachers and students; students can use
diagrams to demonstrate what they already know, and what they wish to know; a complete
syllabus is developed by teachers.
2.
Inquiry will be carried out in four approaches.
(1)
Experiments:
hypothesis.
including
Students
prediction
will
carry
and
out
experiments following standard procedures
and steps, as well as observe and document
such experiments. Starting from the first
grade, students will learn about scientific
procedures and record-keeping (objectives,
materials, procedures, observation, outcome,
etc).
(2)
Simulation: Students will learn about natural phenomena through role-play, simulation,
replication, replay or recreation, will turn abstract or invisible phenomena into something
tangible, and construct new knowledge framework via creativity and imagination with
reference to existing knowledge base.
(3)
Reading: find basis and supporting evidence for specific research via reading. Students
will learn to discover the scientific phenomena hidden within stories and articles, and
recognize the nature and characteristics of specific subject via reading and understanding
abstract scientific phenomena. Reading should be paired with Chinese lessons to train
creative thinking and writing abilities. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of
reading materials including children’s literature, picture books, newspapers, magazines,
journals, audio-visual materials, digital discs and data. The text types include essays,
stories, idioms, songs, poetry, comics, cartoons, fictions, legends and news in the form of
text, photos, images, tables, data and audio-visual materials.
(4)
Theme-based (consisting of all three types mentioned above): Students will learn to
carry out in-depth exploration and research on designated topics and subjects in teams or
independently. After setting out research objectives, students need to raise questions, and
explore such questions using information technology and scientific methodology. In this
process, students will learn to carry out surveys based on questionnaires, field research,
and experiments to find out facts; they also will learn to collect data, carry out
comprehensive data analysis, give presentations and draw a conclusion and summary on
the projects. Thematic-based inquiry is usually carried out in a six-step approach: i. Task
Definition, what is the research topic? ii. Seeking Strategies, how to collect and search
for data? iii. Location and Access, how to select data? iv. Use of Information, how to
sort through and summarize collected data? v. Synthesis, how to present data? vi.
Evaluation, what are the good points? What needs to be improved?
3.
Project presentation can be in oral (debate, discussion, oral presentation, etc.); written
(procedures and steps of the experiment, speech script, report, etc), and other forms (model
presentation, drawing, poster; dramatic performances, role-plays, etc).
The
assessment
multifaceted,
of
including
inquiry-based
teachers’
learning
observing
is
and
documenting in-class discussions and practices of
students; the procedures followed by students in doing
experiments and building models; topic-based written
research reports; oral presentations; quizzes, progress
checks; assignments, reflections and peer evaluations
in students’ records.
All in all, inquiry-based learning aims to help students gain an understanding of knowledge and
concepts in different subjects through practice, mastery of necessary and relevant skills,
application of knowledge and skills learned in everyday life, expressing the understanding of
such knowledge in various forms, acquisition of scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills,
training in creative and critical thinking, and forming an active and inquisitive attitude in
interpersonal communication and cooperation. The devoted faculty members at Keystone’s
primary school guide students in this inquiry-based approach of learning.