Inquiry: Creating a Culture of Curiosity
Build a classroom environment where authentic, student-driven exploration becomes part of everyday teaching and learning.
About the course
This workshop is designed for elementary teachers who want to cultivate a culture of inquiry in their classrooms, and embed authentic, student-driven exploration into everyday teaching. Participants will explore the foundations of inquiry-based learning, develop powerful questioning techniques, learn to integrate inquiry across all subject areas, and create personalized action plans for implementation. By the end of this course, teachers will have practical strategies to transform their classrooms into spaces where curiosity thrives and students actively engage in meaningful exploration aligned with curriculum goals.
How it works
You will join a group of 2 to 5 colleagues, and as a group, you will meet 4 times, either in person or online, at a time you all agree on.
Join a circle
Organize your study group with colleagues during the match period.
Agree on a schedule
Decide the most convenient time for your sessions, online or in person.
Join and collaborate
When the session arrives, connect with your colleagues and complete the activities together.
What's included
Requirements
- Current elementary classroom teacher
- Interest in inquiry-based approaches to learning
- Willingness to reflect on and transform current teaching practices
- Availability to participate in all four sessions
Course syllabus
Session 1: Foundations of Inquiry
- • Explore what inquiry truly means in an elementary classroom
- • Examine the different types of inquiry and the role of student agency
- • Create an environment that sparks curiosity and supports exploration
Session 2: Questioning and Thinking Routines
- • Engage with powerful questioning techniques that guide students toward deeper understanding
- • Learn how to use thinking routines to scaffold and sustain inquiry
- • Practice visible thinking strategies that make student thinking explicit
Session 3: Inquiry in Everyday Teaching
- • Move beyond inquiry as a stand-alone activity and integrate it seamlessly into daily lessons
- • Learn how to plan engaging, inquiry-based experiences across all subjects
- • Design inquiry experiences that align with curriculum goals and standards
Session 4: Refining Understanding and Moving Forward
- • Engage in reflective activities to synthesize learning from the workshop
- • Explore next steps for implementation in your specific classroom context
- • Develop a personalized action plan to sustain an inquiry-rich culture
Meet the instructor
Mónica Naranjo
Specialist in international education, with extensive experience in implementing International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs and leading teacher training. With over 20 years of experience in international school settings, she has supported school communities as a teacher, coordinator, consultant, workshop leader, and evaluator. Her approach focuses on developing student agency, fostering cultures of inquiry and critical thinking, and promoting concept-based, student-centered learning.
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