A Journey through the Landscape of Inquiry Outdoors with Kath Murdoch

In this episode, Victoria Hackett talks with Kath Murdoch about the fascinating concept of inquiry-based learning and how it can be applied in outdoor settings. Kath shares insights from her extensive experience as an educator and explores the benefits of taking learning beyond the classroom walls.

Key Topics Discussed:

Introduction to Inquiry-Based Learning:

• Basics of inquiry-based learning and its importance.
• How it encourages curiosity and critical thinking among students.

Benefits of Outdoor Learning:

• The advantages of incorporating nature into the learning process.
• Real-life examples of successful outdoor inquiry projects.

Strategies for Educators:

• Practical tips for educators looking to implement inquiry-based learning outdoors.
• Overcoming common challenges and barriers.

Reflections on Learning:

• Kath’s personal journey and what she has learned through her practice.
• The evolving role of educators in facilitating inquiry-based experiences.

Meet Kath:

Kath Murdoch’s name is synonymous with Inquiry Learning – a field in she has taught, researched and written about throughout a career that spans forty years. An experienced primary teacher, writer, university lecturer and popular consultant, Kath has worked with teachers and students in schools throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, Canada, The United States, The UK and Europe. Author of 17 books and numerous articles for teachers – including the best selling ‘The Power of Inquiry’ and ‘Getting Personal with Inquiry learning’ (2015), Kath’s work has influenced the ways in which educators around the world think about their role in cultivating curiosity, agency and a zest in their own and children’s learning.

Kath began her professional life as a classroom teacher in Melbourne, Australia. Her fascination in how students’ constructed understandings and her interest in the way questions and big ideas could drive curriculum soon lead to a passion for integrative and inquiry based methodologies. This passion has become a career long focus for teaching, research and writing. The methodologies in which Kath specialises are now central to curriculum frameworks in many parts of the world – including the popular International Baccalaureate, PYP program. 

Critical to Kath’s success is her continued commitment to classroom teaching. Whether it is to demonstrate techniques, coach teachers, design for learning with teans or build her own repertoire of practices, Kath is committed to regular and ongoing work with students. Her classroom work and research feeds a dynamic and ever-evolving expertise in the area of integrative, inquiry-based learning. 

Kath’s professional development offerings are diverse. They range from intensive, ongoing partnerships with schools through to one-day workshops for beginning or experienced inquiry teachers. She is a popular keynote speaker and conference presenter. Whether in her home town of Melbourne or on the other side of the world, working with a team or speaking to a packed auditorium Kath’s style is refreshingly practical, engaging, inclusive and always connected to the real world of teaching.

Kath lives in Melbourne, Australia.

Resources Mentioned:

• Kath Murdoch Website

Outdoor Classroom Resources:

• Explore our Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification program.
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