Wishing...

Whether the process is called Evaluation like in the Big6 model, Assessing like in the ISP model, or judging like in the Infozone model, most research and inquiry models require you to reflect on what you have done. I have to admit I was dreading this step. I am the type of person who likes to be “done” with a project. I guess I am a lot like most of my students in that way. However, once I began reading back over my BLOG I actually enjoyed thinking about the process I had just gone through.

I think my project went fairly smoothly. I was surprised at how much information I was able to find. The biggest challenge I faced was trying to find any down sides to teaching babies sign language. I will admit I became frustrated as I searched, but in the end I was not able to find any negatives. I think my biggest mistake was not coming up with more questions at the beginning of the search. I was so focused on finding out if there were any down sides to teaching sign language, that I probably skipped over a wealth of information. For my next investigation, I would definitely write down more questions before I begin my search. I would start my research with a broader topic and then narrow it down.

I think my experiences were very similar to what a student would go through. I felt frustration, and I was reluctant to re-trace my steps. I also felt overwhelmed once I had all of my information and had to organize it. I think it was good for me to go through this process. I now have a better idea of what it feels like and will be able to help students. I am definitely going to save this BLOG and I may show it to some older students who may have some of the same problems that I did. I am glad I had Lamb’s model to walk me through the steps. Never again will I just send my students off to research. I now know how overwhelming that can be. I am so glad that I have the knowledge of several different models to help guide my students through the inquiry process