The Inquiry Classroom - A Full Day Workshop For Primary Teachers By Kath Murdoch 24th July 2012, Mumbai
	Overview: In this workshop teachers will explore ways in which they can strengthen the use of inquiry based learning with their primary school students. Inquiring classrooms are places where learners are regularly encouraged to ask questions, investigate possible solutions, make choices, work collaboratively as well as independently and, most importantly, where learners are encouraged to think more deeply for themselves. Throughout the day, teachers will examine the ways in which these elements can be enhanced both within the context of a unit of inquiry and across the whole classroom program.  Using a simple model for planning, Kath will also share with teachers a practical framework for supporting students in their investigations. A significant feature of the workshop will the demonstration of a wide range of inquiry based teaching and learning strategies that focus on learning about learning as well as inquiring into various concepts. These strategies will enable teachers to more effectively: promote higher order thinking skills assist students to ask better questions design open ended, independent tasks help students select and analyse information from a range of resources negotiate learning journeys with students around their questions and needs integrate units of inquiry across the curriculum assist students to self-assess and goal set Kath works regularly in classrooms all over the world and will share many real examples from her work in inquiry based learning. Potential Audience: This workshop is ideally suited to generalist teachers working with students aged 4 – 13 in the primary/elementary classroom.  Many of the strategies and techniques explored in the workshop can also be adapted by specialist teachers. Trainer’s Profile Kath Murdoch is an experienced teacher, author, university lecturer and popular consultant who has worked for many years in schools throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, America and Europe.   She is widely respected for her work in the field of inquiry based learning and integrative curriculum in which she has taught, researched and published for well over 25 years. Kath began her professional life as a classroom teacher in Melbourne, Australia.  Her fascination in how students’ constructed their understandings  - and her interest in the way questions and big ideas could drive curriculum soon lead to a passion for integrative and inquiry based methodologies. This passion has become a career-long focus for teaching, research and writing and the methodologies in which Kath specialises are now central to curriculum frameworks in many parts of the world – including the popular International Baccalaureate, PYP program.   Critical to Kath’s success is her continued involvement in classroom teaching. Whether it is to demonstrate techniques, coach teachers or build her own repertoire of practices, Kath is committed to regular and ongoing work with students. Her classroom work and research feeds a dynamic and ever-evolving expertise in the area of integrative and inquiry-based learning.   Kath’s professional development offerings are diverse. They range from intensive partnerships with schools to develop inquiry programs and practices over several years through to one-day workshops for beginning or experienced inquiry teachers. Whether in her home town of Melbourne or on the other side of the world, working with a team or speaking to a packed auditorium Kath’s style is refreshingly practical, inclusive and always connected to the real world of teaching. Investment:   Includes 2 coffee breaks, Lunch and a certificate of Participation.   Rs 17,000/- Closing date 1st July 2012   Early Bird offer 15,000/- 15th April 2012 Venue:   Mumbai Contact:   Shonal Agarwal CEO Website: shonal@chaptersinternational.com chaptersinternational@gmail.com Website: www.chaptersinternational.com