This document outlines an inquiry-based learning approach called "nudging" that can be used to guide students through short inquiry lessons. It provides examples of nudges for each step of the inquiry process, including developing questions, planning, collecting information, organizing information, synthesizing information, and communicating findings. Some key nudges discussed are using inspiration software and KWL charts to develop questions, using graphic organizers to plan research, and citing sources to give proper credit. The overall approach aims to help students build skills like critical thinking through brief guided inquiries that can be embedded within other subject area lessons.

1. Nudging Towards Inquiry:
the Quick & Dirty Approach
by Library Media Specialists:
Linda Boyce - Dozier Middle School
Sabrina Carnesi- Crittenden Middle School
Jennifer Gratto - Gildersleeve Middle School
Barbara Morgan- Huntington Middle School
Kathie Tomaino - Washington Middle School
NNPS 21st-Century Technology Conference, February 13, 2010

2. Nudging :
Small tweaks, big impact

3. Short Inquiry-based Lessons can be
inserted in at any point during the
process, and for any subject matter in
the curriculum.
Apply critical-thinking skills(analysis, synthesis, evaluation,
organization) to information and knowledge in order to construct
new understandings, draw conclusions and create new
knowledge (2.1,1)
Conclude an inquiry-based research process by sharing new
understandings and reflecting on the learning(3.1.1)

4. NNPS Inquiry Process Steps

5. •Questions
•Hypotheses
•Class graphic Organizer based on Discussion
•Brainstorming in groups
•Outline Objective then develop questions
QUESTION NUDGE: Q&D

6. Develop Questions for Research
with Inspiration 8

7. Develop Questions for Research with a
KWL chart
Pueblo Indians
K W L
Start with what you What questions do What did you learn
know… you want to from your
research? research?
Lived in S.W. desert region Geography of region
Houses made of clay Climate
Multi-level houses Crops
Transportation

8. •Information literacy
•Build in reflections,
metacognition, conferencing
•Aha Moments
PLANNING NUDGE: Q&D

9. What resources will you
use?
Students:
1. Look at the image on the screen
2. Describe what you see.
3. Make inferences (interpret the
picture). Use evidence from your
description to support your
interpretations.
4. Ask questions that will help you
learn more about the image.

11. Don’t just gather…
give credit where
It’s due!!!
COLLECT AND CREDITING NUDGE: Q&D

12. v
• Students should be
encouraged/required
to include a
bibliography or
“works cited” page
with all research
projects.
• Give credit where
credit is due!

13. Use an actual book
or an Interactive
WhiteBoard to show
students where to
find information they
need for their
bibliography:
Author
Title
Publisher/City
Year

14. •4 Easy Steps to Organize Your Information Electronically Using
PowerPoint Slides
ORGANIZING NUDGE: Q&D

15. 1. Write Clear Headlines on Each Slide

16. 2. Use the Slide Sorter View to record results
from research. Move slides around to fit the
order you want to present the information in.

17. 3. Use “Notes” Page 4. Use visuals with
to write information text off-screen that
narrates the content your words,
instead of words alone

18. •Choice of product
•Authentic products
•Authentic audiences
•Collaborative work
•Final products
SYNTHESIZING NUDGE: Q&D

19. 1. Reflect and Re-evaluate Plan for
the Finished Product
Organizers
S. Fair
Timeline; Teacher
Movie Power Judges
Chart etc.
Maker Point Audience
Format Classmates
(examples) Finished
Product
Debate
Written
Research
Report Reflect
Journal
Inspiration
Oral Re-visit
Report Re-examine
Back
Board Re-evaluate

20. 2. Combine Information and Facts:
Written Report
Print Sources
Combine: Non-print
Synthesize Sources
Personal
Interviews
Conclusio
n
Draft – Edit – Revise -

21. 3. Documentation
of Sources
Categorize
Alphabetize
Synthesize

22. COMMUNICATION NUDGE: PRESENTATIONS PICS

23. Huntington Middle School Synthesizes

24. Bud, Not Buddy Artifacts
Huntington Middle School

25. Crittenden Middle School Communicates
at Science Fair

26. Communicate with Library Displays

27. Communicate with Presentations

28. Crittenden Middle School
Communicates with
Final Projects
in Spanish Class

29. Communicate with SMART Technology

30. Communicate digitally with laptops and LCD

31. Communicate with Presentations

32. Communicate in 3-D with Poetry

33. Communicate with Presentations