Engaging Learners- Inquiry and Play

A growing body of research suggests that students learn more deeply and perform better on complex tasks if they have the opportunity to engage in more authentic learning such as projects and activities that require them to employ subject knowledge to solve real world problems. Studies have continued to show the positive impact on learning when students participate in lessons that require them to construct and organise knowledge, consider alternatives, engage in detailed research, inquiry, writing and analysis and to communicate effectively (Barron and Darling-Hammond, 2008, as cited in Kath Murdoch, 2015)

In 2019 Margate Primary School will focus on developing an inquiry based learning culture. During inquiry, learning happens through investigation, which is guided by powerful questions. Students are given the opportunity to learn in authentic contexts and solve real life problems. It encourages students to move beyond facts and learn deeper concepts.  Inquiry based learning is motivating for students as they are given the opportunity to learn transferable skills and solve problems through topics and areas that individual students are genuinely interested in and curious about. 

The Power of Inquiry- Kath Murdoch

http://www.kathmurdoch.com.au/about/ 

“The human mind is better equipped to gather information about the world by operating within it, by reading about it, hearing lectures on it or studying abstract models of it” Abbott and Ryan 2009

Learning Begins with Play!

At Margate Primary we passionately believe in the power of play. The mutual joy and shared communication that parents/caregivers and families experience during play regulate the stress responses of the body allowing the brain to make connections and remember more. Play is not just about having fun but about taking risks, experimenting and testing boundaries. We believe that play is not just for break times and we craft a range of play provocations using our indoor and outdoor spaces. At Margate Primary we provide opportunities for play to amplify learning and class inquiries. Play leads to the development of executive functioning skills which nurture 21^st century skills such as problem solving, collaboration, communication and creativity.

“Children who engage in play are more likely to have well-developed memory skills, language development and are able to regulate their behaviour leading to enhanced school adjustment and academic learning,” (Bodrova and Leong 2005)

The Power of Play

“Play is central to how children learn: the way they make sense of the world; the way they form and explore friendships; the way they shape and test intellectual, social, emotional, and ethical ideas.” Mara Krechevsky, 2018