The Spiral of Inquiry Licenses Curiosity

The ArtStarts building in downtown Vancouver is a perfect place to begin day two of the CEWA Study Tour. Replete with young children's artwork, a sense of creativity, curiosity and optimism pervades.

Today we caught up with Dr Linda Kaser, Dr Judy Halbert and Adjunct Professor Lynne Tomlinson. First up are Linda and Julie - known globally for their work on transforming learning and leadership in systems and schools. Their scholarship on the Spiral of Inquiry has captured the interest of many CEWA leaders.

The Spiral of Inquiry - diagrammed below by Kaser and Halbert - is an evidence-informed method for solving teaching and learning challenges through ongoing curiosity, collaboration and continuous improvement. To make use of the Spiral of Inquiry, educators begin by asking a series of questions such as what's going on for their learners. They then focus on an issues emerging from these questions and develop a educated hunch about potential solutions. It's an iterative process. You take action but always check to see that it works.

For Sharon Davis, Team Leader of Aboriginal Education, CEWA, the Spiral of Inquiry has been integral to her Team's approach to planning and resource development. Meeting Judy and Linda was an affirmation of the Team's work.

Carmel Costin, Principal at Yiddara Catholic Primary School, has worked with the Spiral of Inquiry to encourage staff to engage in collective action. She believes the method helped to create buy-in from staff as they are collectively engaged in solving challenges together.

Rob Romeo, Principal at St Munchin's Catholic Primary School, Gosnells, commented that "the Spiral of Inquiry is a process that encourages communities to use practical strategies to create meaningful, purposeful learning environments for all students."

The afternoon session is run by Adjunct Professor Lynne Tomlinson. Lynne is Director of Instruction for the West Vancouver School District. The District has the goal of improving student success for all Aboriginal students. She speaks to us about their embedded focus on Aboriginal perspectives in the curriculum, teaching first nations principles of learning and building the capacity of teachers untrained in Aboriginal Education. The parallels with our own system are remarkable but differences also stand out.

Tomorrow we dive further into the Spiral of Inquiry by exploring its practical impact on schools.

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