Processing: The Third Stage of the Inquiry Process

The third stage of the inquiry process, as identified by our work with the Ontario School Library Association, is termed processing. 

Here students engage in the deep work of constructing meaning out of the information and ideas generated from the plans, sources, and focus of the previous stage.

For some, this is where the rubber hits the road and the hardest work begins, as the inquiry requires the development of higher-order thinking and organizational skills such as:

• analyzing the interest, accuracy, depth, and relevance of the information found to date
• evaluating the development and significance of the ideas formed to date
• organizing and synthesizing ideas and information in preparation for communicating them.

Furthermore, the teacher or teacher-librarian needs a varied treasury of direct and indirect strategies to support both the dependent and independent learner. Such strategies will include organizers, checklists, and conferences. More than at any stage, progress here may be uneven, but eventually so personally rewarding. 

There is a direct relation between the success of this stage of inquiry and the previous stages. For instance, if a student's initial questions about the topic were superficial and weakly formed, likely his analysis will be as well. If the student's focus or thesis was too wide or too narrow, her application of relevant information to develop the ideas will prove frustrating. If the student gathered information without planned limits or supporting documentation disparate, synthesizing it into forceful and well supported ideas will be difficult.

You can see why regular teacher assessment and guidance is vital to prevent errors from being compounded in the last stage of the  inquiry. Next week: creating, to share the results of the inquiry.

The Glossary of Teaching/Learning Strategies

My evolving glossary is now complete as planned to include inquiry-based strategies. Please read the glossary and comment on your favorite strategies, especially any that are missing from my list.