Teaching and Learning Inquiry Framework

Abstract

This article describes the development of the Teaching and Learning Inquiry Framework (TLIF) and applications forits use. For decades teacher preparation and support has been dictated by a narrow mindset in which academicdisciplines have been taught in isolation. This landscape, however, is evolving to align with the view that the world israrely experienced in disciplinary silos. Interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning can enable students tomake more holistic connections to the world around them and be better prepared for college and career. With the recentpublication in the USA of four related standards-based reform documents across each of the core subject areas, teacherpreparation and professional development programs are evolving to offer teachers opportunities to examine theimplications of the new standards. To address these complexities, a guiding conceptual framework is needed thatfocuses in on how inquiry can serve as an entry point to frame the integration of content within and across disciplines.The TLIF was developed out of the hypothesis that teachers need to be prepared to teach in a more interdisciplinaryway using inquiry methods. There are six recursive stages to the TLIF: 1) stage and engage, 2) ask and pose, 3) planand monitor, 4) search and gather, 5) analyze and create, and 6) communicate and apply.