Teacher Learning through a 'Collaborative Inquiry for Better Learning' Model

Abstract

Inquiry into Teaching Practice: In this article we take a look at a model for collaborative inquiry that could be useful for use in schools. We often hear the term 'best practice' which narrows the field into a prescriptive set of (formally or informally) condoned teaching practices. However, quality teaching is a complex and situated suite of professional practices. Through developing collaborative approaches to inquiry (aligned with 'teaching as inquiry' (Ministry of Education, 2007)), teachers can grow and strengthen their professional practice. Personalised teacher learning through Inquiry hos been an Important feature of the schooling improvement landscape. For many years now, teachers have undertaken action research, teacher inquiry and collaborative Inquiry. There are associated practices like classroom walk throughs, peer observations of teaching, gathering of student voice data, and quality /earning circles that all aim at encouraging reflection, goal setting, and engagement with data.