Kath Murdoch, Matt Glover, and Megan Holmstrom had completed 2 Inquiry workshops last spring when during their debrief session one of them said, “I wish I could attend this workshop myself and watch you two teach! I’d learn a lot!”
Well, they made that happen! They worked out a plan to all arrive in Budapest a day before their workshop began and our incredible hosts at AISB helped them achieve their wish! They had 3 labsites that day, each teaching one, so the other two could sit in the labsites and take notes on all the connection of ‘teaching with inquiry as a mindset’; in different content areas and in different grades.
Below are some of their reflections on the day! What they learned and how it will help them improve the workshop moving forward!
Kath Murdoch
“After 42 years of teaching I am constantly humbled by how much I still have to learn. Watching Matt and Megan teach was a gift – not only because of the elements that resonated with my own practice but for the new ‘moves’ I learned, the questions raised and the deep and powerful reflection it provoked. The simple act of observing each other at work may be the very best form of professional learning there is – no matter how experienced you are!”
Matt Glover
“On November 6, I had one of the most powerful personal and professional learning experiences I’ve had in a long time. In preparation for our next Inquiry in Action workshop at AIS Budapest, Kath Murdoch, Megan Holmstrom and I had the rare opportunity to watch each other teach. During our debriefs the connections between how we capitalize on our genuine curiosity about children’s thinking and translate that into responsive actions were apparent. In the process, it made me think more deeply about my own practice and concepts that impact teaching in any area.”
Megan Holmstrom
“As I reflect back on the work of sharing our own labsites with each other, I realize that some of the most impactful, and intentional work, is studying one’s own teaching (and learning!)! Having the opportunity to do so with Kath and Matt, two experts in their respective fields, added depth and perspective to the experience. It was affirming to see and hear how many throughlines we had in common, including posing open, keep-thinking questions – leaning in and listening to student thinking – using student thinking to lead discussions – and conferring with students about their thinking! I cannot celebrate labsite learning enough, we are all learners, always growing our practice! “
We are all life long learners! As Kath has said at past workshops, “There are many factors that go into a child’s success at school, but the number one factor is the quality of the teacher.” She joked, “No pressure!” But as educators, our commitment to the children we serve is enormous. Our passion for meeting the needs of each students and supporting their growth, inspires us to never stop learning ourselves!
