Class participation is an essential component of this course. Since Inquiry is about asking questions and developing analytical skills, classroom discussions will be central to your learning. Social Sciences Inquiry is an opportunity to further your understanding of self, others and society. The experience in the Inquiry classroom will further your learning about yourself and others. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are necessary “Inquiry” skills. They will be developed and displayed through group discussion and collaboration.
Participation in out-of-class activities is also important to developing skills. Therefore, you will also be required to participate in library activities, computer labs and other skill development activities.
You will be evaluated on your class participation and your assigned out-of-class activities. Evaluation will be based on the quality of what you contributed and how you contributed to the class. Contributions to the class discussion might involve introducing a topic, examining assumptions, assessing the source and reliability of information and formulating new questions. You will also make contributions by presenting summaries of articles and discussing your Inquiry questions. You will be evaluated on your group and interpersonal skills. These skills may involve active discussion, effective listening, demonstrating tolerance for differences, giving effective feedback, supporting others’ learning and dealing effectively with conflict.