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Introducing . . .
Inquire is a complete learning guide, covering 21st century skills, traditional study skills, the inquiry process, and project-based instruction. This handbook works in any class across the curriculum, helping students think and learn. It also works well as the main resource in a media center, a study-skills or research course, or a program based on inquiry or projects.
In addition to the student handbook, the program includes the Inquire Teacher's Guide. This guide describes the pedagogy behind Inquire, helps you use the handbook in any setting, and includes chapter-by-chapter lesson plans. Both the student and teacher editions are available in print and online versions.
*available in hard-cover or soft-cover and online
New! Watch the Inquire Program Overview video now.
Why do students need 21st century skills?
“A profound gap exists between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills they need for success in their communities and workplaces” (Partnership for 21st Century Skills).
On September 28, 2011, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the University of Phoenix released a report titled “Life in the 21st Century Workplace,” which focused on key skills workers and employers need to “promote excellence in the workforce.” The research concludes that “Programs that emphasize interpersonal skills, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving are poised…to provide the most benefit to employers and the workforce alike.”
Students need to learn the skills that will help them succeed in school and in life:
Learning Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Creative Thinking
- Collaborating
- Communicating
Literacy Skills
- Information Literacy
- Media Literacy
- Technology Literacy
Life Skills
- Flexibility
- Initiative
- Social Skills
- Productivity
- Leadership
How can I teach skills and content?
Inquire gives you three ways to teach skills and content together:
- Part I uses 21st century skills to help students think about content.
- Part II uses the inquiry process to help students research content.
- Part III uses projects to help students engage with content
and demonstrate their learning.
How does Inquire work for me?
Inquire works in any classroom or media center. How you use it depends
on your own style. Below are four common uses.
- Inquiry-Based Guide
Classrooms that are based on inquiry can use Inquire as a guide for instruction, problem solving, and research. - Student Handbook
Students can each have a copy of Inquire to use across the curriculum and later at home to answer any questions they have. - Project-Based Guide
Classrooms involved in project-based learning can use Inquire as their primary guide. - Instructional Text
Inquire works well as a primary text in a media center, a
study-skills or research course, or a homeroom focused
on school success.
What standards does Inquire cover?
Inquire covers the key standards for 21st century skills, writing, speaking, listening, and literacy across the curriculum. To view standard correlations, click on the appropriate set of standards below:
- 21st Century Student Outcomes (Partnership for 21st Century Skills)
- English Language Arts (Common Core State Standards)
- NETS for Students (International Society for Technology in Education)
- Grade 6 Reading/Language Arts Standards for Florida (2007)
- Grade 7 Reading/Language Arts Standards for Florida (2007)
- Grade 8 Reading/Language Arts Standards for Florida (2007)
Click here to review the research base and to discover resources for professional development.
What other supports do I have?
In addition to the handbook, the Inquire program offers . . .
- a Teacher’s Guide.
- an online version of Inquire and the Inquire Teacher's Guide, with searchable pages, downloadable templates, and many additional resources.
- a Web site that provides the thinking behind the book.
- the support of the Thoughtful Learning group.
How can I learn more?
If you're new to 21st century skills, the inquiry process, or project-based learning—or
if you would like more help using them—you'll find a wealth of information on each
topic by clicking one of the links below.
Testimonials
“Inquire is a comprehensive learning guide for teachers and students that promotes higher-order inquiry, processing, and thinking. I believe Inquire will address all learning styles and abilities if used properly.”
“All the information that a student needs is in one place. As we are moving from tests to performance assessments, this book has very valuable information and examples from which students can build their own unique way to show mastery of a subject.”
“The greatest strength is that it is very supportive of the objectives we (in Utah and many other states) are working to improve with the new Common Core Curriculum. Many teachers are really looking for this.”