Inquiry Based Learning - EDIM513, Week 1

What is it that I "think" I know about Inquiry Based Learning?
I know...students are given choice. I know...the teacher is the facilitator, not the "sage on the stage". I know...the classroom environment may not appear structured to most, but it is. I know...students are allowed to collaborate with their peers. I know...I have never fully witnessed this method, nor have I fully embraced and taught in this manner.
I know...I am interested in creating a more student-centered classroom.

I have learned through the various readings in this class that IBL is a process. The teacher must model the expected behaviors and outcomes or the climate of the classroom may become chaotic. The students are given the freedom to discover what they don't know as well as what they want to know about a subject, not just what the teacher wants them to know. They have the freedom to communicate, collaborate, and share their insights with their peers. This in turn allows their peers to provide feedback and share their experiences, as well. All of these factors help to build a community within the classroom that supports and defends, or debates, opinions in a safe, respectful, and productive manner.

What I still need to know is...where do I begin? How do I transform my teaching to reflect the process of Inquiry Based Learning? Does IBL "work" in all content areas or are there content areas that fit the mold, such as Science?

I hope this course answers my questions as well as creates new, understandings regarding Inquiry Based Learning. I guess this inquiring mind wants to know...MORE!