Thinking in Action

At Ohaeawai School we incorporate Inquiry Learning and Information Literacy in everyday learning programmes.

Learning to Learn Strategies

Staff at Ohaeawai School believe that as educators we are no longer able to give students skills for a particular job they wish to pursue, as who knows what the future may require of them.  We do believe that we must give students learning to learn strategies. With these types of strategies students are able to learn from their mistakes and develop high self-esteem. Karen Boyes states that “… teaching how to learn and self esteem has to be a priority”.

Information Literacy at Ohaeawai School

At Ohaeawai School we aim to prepare students for success within a high-tech, information rich, and global society, developing them into dynamic 21st century citizens.  We aim to ensure that all students and staff become effective users of information technologies and this is carried out through appropriate and effective learning and teaching strategies.

Implementing Information Literacy Draft

Ohaeawai School Inquiry Learning Model - PIGEON

At Ohaeawai School we aim to develop students into Life-long Thinkers and Learners.

The PIGEON inquiry model has been developed using our school logo the Kukupa (Pigeon), as the basis.  There are six steps within our model for inquiry. 

They are:

• Permeate
• Initiate
• Get Ready
• Examine
• Organising and presenting
• Next steps – reflection

PIGEON at Ohaeawai School

Skills Continuums for PIGEON

Within each step of the PIGEON inquiry model, teachers have Thinking in Action Implementation Plan for Information Literacy – skills continuum.  Within these continuums are guidelines for the skills children should be developing at each year level from year 1 to year 6. 

PIGEON Skills Continuum

PIGEON Inquiry Recording Sheets

Within our school we have developed Recording Sheets for each stage of the PIGEON inquiry process.  These are based on the Portfolio sheets that Carolyn Stuart introduced at Southbridge School in Christchurch.

These sheets have been modified for use in different levels of the school and are also modified by individual teachers as required.  They enable children to record learning at each level of the PIGEON inquiry process.

PIGEON Recording Sheets