Student Engagement and Success Using an Inquiry Approach and Integrated Curriculum in Primary Education

Abstract

Intended for educators working within a prescribed curriculum, this article demonstrates how student engagement and success are achieved using an inquiry approach and integrating the curriculum. Alison outlines how she initially planned for this outcome by selecting four questions that were provided for the Toronto District School Board’s Teaching and Learning Critical Pathways for Literacy. She then documents the children’s responses throughout the inquiry to assess their understanding. Subquestions, rich narrative stories, and knowledge building were used to support the children’s learning in a deeper context. Ultimately, the children with the most challenges in reading and writing were able to demonstrate their knowledge using a variety of assessment forms that included oral responses, visual arts, science journals, and technology.