On 18th November, 60 teachers from 20 different schools came together for our Spirals of Inquiry 2021/22 launch event. WE were also joined by Dr Linda Kaser & Dr Judy Halbert, who are the originators of this internationally recognised model of professional inquiry.
The launch event started off with an introductory session from Julie Temperley who introduced the Spirals of Inquiry. Julie explained that the spiral is a unique learning process as it is driven by insights from and about learners. 
Particular focus was given to the scanning stage which is important for identifying what is going on for learners. To draw out the true experience of young people, you must ask these four key questions:
- Can you name two adults in this setting who believe you will be a success?
- What are you learning and why is it important?
- How is it going with your learning?
- What are your next steps?
Julie ended her session by asking the launch event attendees to reflect on how they felt about the scanning stage and asking these four questions to their learners. The responses were overwhelmingly positive with everyone identifying the importance of listening to young people as part of this process.
After a short break, the keynote session from Linda Kaser and Judy Halbert began. In their session, they expanded on the origins of Spirals and why it had become such a successful approach throughout the world.
Read more about Linda and Judy’s work here >>
A key focus of their talk was on the importance of curiosity and how teachers have the potential to develop curiosity or squash curiosity in learners. Simple actions like smiling, speaking in an encouraging manner and sharing your own curiosities all could help build curiosity across classrooms.
Very impressed by the thoughtfulness of English educators getting started with spirals thinking @WholeEducation @noiie_bc @NOII_NSW_Aust https://t.co/ihQBQcXsBW
— linda kaser (@kaser_linda) November 18, 2021
This really highlighted the importance of collaboration between teachers and learners in the Spiral’s process. At the heart of inquiry is curiosity about what’s going on for learners and a willingness to listen to their needs.
Thank you to Linda Kaser, Judy Halbert and Julie Temperley for your insightful sessions. WE are really excited to see how this year’s cohort progresses with their own Spirals of Inquiry.
It is always a privilege to hear from @kaser_linda and @jhalbert8 when we start the Spirals journey with a new group of schools @WholeEducation pic.twitter.com/pTDA0sKJhT
— Joanne Corrigan (@MrsJoCorrigan) November 18, 2021
Here’s what delegates had to say about our launch event:
