Core PYP Fundamentals

Understanding Inquiry Learning Progressions – Made Easy!

Master inquiry learning progressions to help students develop collaborative and cognitive skills step by step.

🌟 Workshop Overview

Inquiry learning progressions help students grow their collaborative and cognitive skills step by step. These progressions are ideal for learners aged 5 to 16 and are particularly effective in supporting group work, questioning, and building shared understanding.

1 Learn to Take Roles in a Group

Students begin with simple responsibilities such as being a helper, speaker, or listener.

Example: During a group art project, one collects materials, one draws, and one shares the ideas.

Practice Tip: Use role cards and rotate them each session to build confidence.

2 Take Turns and Listen

Students learn the value of equal voice and attentive listening.

Example: During class circle time, each student shares what they learned from a story.

Practice Tip: Use a 'talking object' to signal whose turn it is to speak.

3 Build on Each Other's Ideas

Students move from individual to collective thinking.

Example: One student proposes building a robot; another suggests adding sensors.

Practice Tip: Practice "Yes, and..." dialogues to encourage idea expansion.

4 Respect Different Views

Students acknowledge, understand, and integrate differing perspectives.

Example: A group discusses whether to plant flowers or vegetables and chooses to do both.

Practice Tip: Facilitate structured debates or "two sides" discussions.

5 Reflect and Improve

Students evaluate group dynamics and outcomes to foster improvement.

Example: After a science activity, students reflect on how they could better manage time.

Practice Tip: Use simple self-assessment and peer feedback forms.

🎯 Key Takeaway

These progression steps create a foundation for lifelong collaborative learning. When students master these skills, they become confident contributors to any group setting, both in school and beyond.