1. Using a broad thematic topic, find and talk about subtopics that you suppose would provide special interest as well as motivation for young learners to do further and more in-depth studies. Revisit...

1. Using a broad thematic topic, find and talk about subtopics that you suppose would provide special interest as well as motivation for young learners to do further and more in-depth studies. Revisit this question after reading the section in Chapter 5 that discusses criteria for topic selection of inquiry-based learning projects.

2. Observe a class that incorporates theme learning or curriculum units. (Perhaps you can divide the two observations between you and your colleagues.) Take notes on the following:

• Academic learning apparently planned by the teacher;

• Academic learning arising spontaneously;

• Social interaction;

• Noise levels;

• Traffi c patterns and freedom of movement.