Flexible Blended Learning Course 2, 2026
Inquiry Learning. More important now than ever.
Designed with Teacher Librarians and school library staff in mind, this flexible, self-paced course offers a deep dive into the world of inquiry learning. Participants will have the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of a range of inquiry learning models, learning directly from expert practitioners in the field. The course also offers fresh insights into how to apply inquiry learning to your own units of work, supported by a collection of lessons and units designed by fellow Teacher Librarians. You’ll also explore the growing impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on inquiry learning, and leave with the tools, strategies, and confidence to lead inquiry in your school.
- The cost of this course is $60, which represents outstanding value.
- This course will provide 8 hours of Elective Professional Learning.
Please note that this course is only available to current SLANSW members.
Course structure
The course will open on October 19, 2026. Participants will work at their own pace to complete the viewing and reading of resources. The course will remain open until December 4, 2026.
Please note that while you remain a financial member of SLANSW, you will continue to have access to the material.
A forum is provided for participants as a point of contact to discuss ideas, highlight any questions, or share new ideas as you complete each module.
A Certificate of Participation is available upon request after submitting a reflection statement and contributing to the forum for each module.
Registrations for this course are now open.
Course Summary
Module 1: What is Inquiry Learning?
This module explores the theory and pedagogy behind some key inquiry models. Participants will be taken through the structure of and reasoning behind each model with similarities and differences highlighted. The aim is to provide a strong foundation upon which to apply future applications of inquiry learning. Models covered include The Stripling Model of Inquiry, FOSIL and Guided Inquiry Design® (GID).
Module 2: Why is the value and impact of Inquiry Learning important?
This module takes participants through important readings on the impact and value of inquiry learning. A central topic is the current debate between its efficacy compared to Direct Instruction. Participants will come away with a clear understanding of the need for robust task design, teacher led modelling of phases and explicit teaching of key information literacy that foster student curiosity and critical thinking.
Module 3: Guided Inquiry Design® - a deep dive.
This model examines the work of Leslie Maniotes and GID. Focusing on the Explore, Identify and Gather phases of the GID model Maniotes demonstrates how in the age of AI well designed inquiry protects human thinking rather than replacing it. Participants will use part of the recorded International Speaker Series session that Maniotes presented at earlier this year to support them in reviewing their own lessons or units of work.
Module 4: Inquiry in action.
The final module provides participants with several practical examples, across primary and secondary, of how inquiry learning can be applied in our school settings. Central to this session is an understanding that not all teacher librarians will have the time or the opportunity to conduct lengthy inquiry projects. This session aims to provide examples of a range of inquiry units including shorter units and lessons that still engage students in deep and authentic inquiry. There is also a helpful meetup to watch and consider how two practitioners have used inquiry to drive learning and teaching in their settings.
Registrations for this course are now open.
Suggested Standards addressed by this Course
2.5.2 Apply knowledge and understanding of effective teaching strategies to support students’ literacy and numeracy achievement.
3.3.2 Select and use relevant teaching strategies to develop knowledge, skills, problem-solving, and critical and creative thinking.
3.4.2 Select and/or create and use a range of resources, including ICT, to engage students in their learning.
6.2.2 Participate in learning to update knowledge and practice targeted to professional needs and school and/or system priorities
7.4.2 Participate in professional and community networks and forums to broaden knowledge and improve practice.
A Certificate of Participation is available upon request after submitting a reflection statement and contributing to the forum for each module. Requests to: info@slansw.net.au