Thoughts from the Chatsworth Primary Hallway

Search is about finding pieces; knowledge is about knowing the potential value of those pieces; wisdom understands the need to see the big picture, no matter how difficult or seemingly complex or how many perspectives you have to consider or people you have to ask, and put it all together.  The Difference Between Search And Inquiry by Terry Heick (http://goo.gl/Xng5Ey)

One of the articles I shared with the teachers this week talked about the difference between searching and inquiry.  Given that in today's world information is at our fingertips, and not just a small amount of information but enough information that would take a life time just to sift through and find what you are looking for. The skills necessary for this search is paramount in today's teaching and learning programme. What a dilemma teachers have these days when confronted with the question "what knowledge is important for our students to know?". It is a tough balancing act between this and teaching the skills necessary for the students to find information, and then to sort and find the right information.  In todays's world searching to satisfy an inquiry, whether it is searching on the World Wide Web, through reference materials in the library or by seeking out experts, the skills necessary for these searches have to be taught.  And let's not get confused, once the search is done, the inquiry begins: "Now that I have this information, what now?".

Mario Gauci

Head of Primary