"Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand."

Author Unknown

The last part of this adage explains the essence of inquiry learning. This method of learning is a major component of Holy Family Academy's unique 'thinking curriculum'.Inquiry Learning is supported by the findings of current educational research and "best practices". Through an intriguing and engaging process, students collaborate with each other in meaningful dialogue centered in content areas. Students are held accountable for learning and knowing the content, while still learning to work together to produce a common product. The result is represented in learning artifacts (for example: brochures, booklets, power point presentations, student-made movies or dramas) that demonstrate superior learning products than what are typical for their respective grade levels. Grades K-5 will have three inquiry learning units per year.

"Working together as a team was such a great experience for our first grader! She learned that her team was counting on her and she was so proud of the book they produced." 1st grade parent, Hoffman Estates

Inquiry learning can best be summarized as follows:

• It is a student-centered, active learning approach that focuses on questioning, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• It often involves working in a team thereby allowing students at different developmental stages to experiment, observe, research, and collaborate in problem solving.
• Inquiry integrates multiple disciplines in the same project. It reinforces to students that 'real world' problem solving involves the application of math, science, social studies, and language arts skills.
• Holy Family Academy also integrates service learning into the Inquiry Learning units.

Some of the outcomes we have witnessed are:

• Students, including those who do not respond well to lectures and memorization, thrive in an inquiry learning environment.
• The success of inquiry learning is dependent upon our teachers who embrace new teaching techniques and receive special training to successfully utilize this learning approach.
• Inquiry learning develops skills on "how to learn" as opposed to memorizing facts and accumulating information.

Holy Family Academy believes that one of our goals in achieving academic excellence is to develop a generation of life-long learners. Inquiry learning helps us achieve that goal. "I'm amazed at the breadth of knowledge my child learns through the inquiry learning units. He is really learning, not just studying for the test." 4th grade parent, Palatine

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