The Art Engager

The power of inquiry, curiosity and questioning with Trevor MacKenzie

May 30, 2024

Trevor MacKenzie is an experienced teacher and inquiry consultant who champions inquiry-based learning. In this engaging discussion, he emphasizes the transformative power of inquiry and effective questioning in education. Trevor shares insights from his new book, revealing ten high-impact question routines that can boost student engagement. He also delves into the importance of self-awareness and patience for educators. Listeners gain practical strategies to foster curiosity and reflection in the classroom, enhancing the overall learning experience.

36:37

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Episode guests

Trevor MacKenzie

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Quick takeaways

Inquiry-based learning transforms the teacher-student dynamic, fostering collaboration and empowering students to engage actively in their educational experiences.

Effective questioning techniques, including the use of open-ended and closed questions, are vital for guiding students' exploration and enhancing their confidence in asking meaningful questions.

Deep dives

The Power of Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry-based learning empowers students by encouraging them to take agency in their educational experiences. This approach shifts the traditional dynamics between teachers and students, fostering a collaborative environment where students are more engaged in the learning process. By embracing values such as curiosity and relevance, teachers can create a classroom landscape that supports discovery instead of rote memorization. Teachers like Trevor emphasize that successful inquiry requires a foundational understanding of how to facilitate meaningful questions that lead to deeper exploration.

Intro

5min

Empowering Learning through Inquiry

12min

The Importance of Self-Awareness and Patience in Teaching

2min

Transforming Educational Experiences Through Time and Curiosity

2min

The Power of Questioning in Education

10min

Harnessing Provocation in Education

6min

My guest today, Trevor MacKenzie is an experienced teacher, author, keynote speaker and inquiry consultant who has worked in schools throughout North America, Asia, Australia, South Africa and Europe.

Trevor’s day job is as a high school English teacher in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, He teaches from an inquiry stance, guided by specific values and beliefs. In addition, Trevor is also an author, speaker and consultant, travelling worldwide to help schools implement inquiry-based teaching structures and frameworks.

Trevor’s new book Inquiry Mindset Questions Edition is out imminently and because questions are a favourite subject of mine, I had to invite him onto the podcast to talk about it.

I’ve known Trevor for a few years now since we connected on social media through shared interests and enthusiasms.

Trevor is an advocate and champion for inquiry-based learning, generously supporting the work of many educators in the field, including me, and he is well known for his kindness, alongside his expertise.

Listen to find out more about:

the power of inquiry-based learning and what it means to teach from an inquiry-based stance
the key principles and values that guide Trevor's work, drawing from his extensive experience and his new book, 'Inquiry Mindset Questions Edition'
generating question confidence and competence; the importance of both open and closed questions
the 10 high impact question routines in Trevor's new book, 'Inquiry Mindset Questions Edition' and how they can be used to promote inquiry.
using images, photos, and art as provocations to spark curiosity and engagement.

There’s so much in our conversation from fostering curiosity, agency, active listening and the connections between Trevor’s work and our work in museums. What can we learn from each other? Where are the crossovers?

Listen to our conversation to discover more about the power of inquiry, curiosity and so much more.