How can we demonstrate Inquiry-Based Instruction?

"This national survey of 216 agriscience teachers investigated the current attitudes and practices related to reading in agriscience. Agriscience teachers generally appreciated reading for personal development and learning, but were in less agreement about allocation of time for reading. Further, teachers agreed that reading was important in agriscience, but were in less agreement about their role in teaching content area reading strategies (CARS). Reading is a fundamental part of instruction in agriscience, with nearly 20% of class time being devoted to reading" (Park & Osborne, 2006.)

1) Why does literacy strategies matter in ag class?

 Incorporating reading literacy strategies in class not only reinforces a critical skill for students, but it allows them to read, process, and format the information that learn in a way that make sense to them. Rather than being spoon-fed information, students can develop real skills to think and research independently.

2) How do we connect literacy skills to IBI.

We can utilize literacy strategies in our classroom to encourage students to rely upon their literacy skills in IBI. These strategies can include the following:

• Reading Anticipation guide
• Inside-Outside Circles
• Think-Write-PairShare 
• Numbered heads together
• RAP (Read-Ask-Put)
• Prediction Pairs (Usually for in-class reading)
• chapter tours
• double-entry diaries
• vocab strategies 

My favorite strategy that I will apply in the spring while student teaching: RAP (read-ask-put)

This literacy strategies can be applied to literally ANY topic I can think of, which is why I love it! Researching, specifically when reading scientific research papers, is daunting even for me, much less students. Teaching students to be effective paraphrasers will help them comprehend readings while they are learning through IBI!