Google Scholar, what’s that?

Just as the regular Google does, Google Scholar allows users to access scholarly articles on their research topics. Much like Google, Google Scholar returns a number of resources relevant to the search. The advantage of using Google Scholar is that the results will more often than not be peer reviewed articles and scholarly journals. This…

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Just Google It!

How often do we hear people saying “just Google it?” It seems that Google has become the go to for information for people of all ages – I have recently heard my grandmother use this expression! But how reliable is Google when completing research? The great thing about Google is that there is so much information…

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An Introduction to Expert Searching

When it comes to inquiry learning acknowledging that we do not know everything about everything is the first step. It is unrealistic to assume that one can know everything about a topic in today’s ever growing world of information access. By acknowledging this we are able to begin to learn appropriate research techniques that can…

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Inquiry Learning Introduction

My Teaching Context For the past two years I have been working as a relief teacher between two schools, each has a different view on inquiry learning. The first school is currently undergoing the process to become an IB primary school and will be undertaking the certification process next year to become and an official…

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Reflection 3: Charrette process: Benefits and disadvantages

I found the charrette process to be helpful and insightful. Working with a partner, whom assumed the role as a teacher, highlighted many different design flaws and triumphs that I had overlooked. These were some definite advantages and I intend to use this process again. In terms of disadvantages, I often found myself neglecting my own…

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Key Evaluation Findings

It is my opinion that the learning space, although initially designed with collaborative learning in mind, is not suited to its intended purpose. The closeness between the grouped seating arrangements ensures that noise levels rise as each group struggles to communicate effectively. Therefore, the sound carries from the ground level of the library to the…

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Education Context, Learning Space and Learner Profile

Educational Context The location of my ‘swamp’ is a co-educational, boarding and day student, private school located within the inner suburbs of Brisbane. The pedagogical approach of the school is that of inquiry based, and collaborative learning. Learning Space The learning space is that of the secondary school library, specifically the ground floor. The layout of the…

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Reflection 2: Who and what is valued at Learning Space A?

Learning Space A values self-directed, or inquiry, learning. It is a 5 story building, with a clear progression of learning activities towards the upper levels. Although the lower levels of the space are designed for collaborative learning, it was clear that as I approached levels 4 and 5, the space had developed completely into a…

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