Ep 61 Advocating for Inquiry with Tonya Gilchrist

In this episode of Blooming Curious, I welcome Tonya Gilchrist, an International Education Consultant and Learning Strategist. Tonya shares her journey towards advocating inquiry-based learning, discusses how to effectively implement inquiry practices within classrooms, and addresses misconceptions around inquiry and agency. She dives into the challenges of standardised testing and talks about her work in transforming educational approaches in schools worldwide. Discover practical advice for fostering student engagement and honouring individual interests while meeting curriculum standards through inquiry. Tonya also shares insights on facilitating cross-curricular learning and balancing teacher-led and student-led instruction to ensure deep, meaningful learning experiences.Go to the episode website for links mentioned in the episode.To connect with Tonya:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedinTo sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning , go HEREConnect with Edwina:Email: [e-mail]: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcuriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️ 00:00 Introduction to Tonya Gilchrist00:57 Tonya's Journey and Passion for Inquiry02:31 Challenges with Standardized Testing04:03 International Teaching Experience06:53 Misconceptions About Inquiry-Based Learning11:28 The Importance of Hands-On Learning16:47 Breaking Down Subject Silos23:43 Honoring Student Interests and Agency34:21 Celebrating Diverse Talents in the Classroom35:27 The Joy of Teaching and Learning38:03 Engaging Reluctant Students40:53 Building Relationships and High Expectations46:29 Transforming Classrooms Through Inquiry53:43 The Future of Inquiry-Based Learning01:01:39 Staying Curious as an Educator