Chapter+13+Topic+Studies

Topic Studies: A Framework for Research and Exploration
Pages 219-231 photo: Glazgow @http://www.flickr.com/photos/glazgow/1005288139/sizes/m/in/photostream/

"If we want classrooms brimming full of kids who are engaged, enthusiastic, and independent learners, they must have ownership in what they study and investigate" (p. 231).

Topic study is Harvey and Goudvis' way of explaining a curriculum unit in science, social studies, or other curriculum topics. Yet, topic studies go beyond the sit in your seat and listen to a lecture, then do an activity that may or may not match up to what you have been talking about approach to an engaging and energetic approach that facilitates independent learning. Topic studies use inquiry as a tool for bridging reading, writing, and research through what the authors call the researcher's workshop approach. This allows students to incorporate all three components across a workshop approach that allows the teacher to present mini-lessons that will assist students in questioning and researching the topic.

Harvey and Goudvis explain that the workshop is a way to incorporate all the strategies from the book and apply them to different texts and content. They share a chart on page 220 that goes through the different aspects of topic study and the roles for both the teacher and the student. It is a useful tool to assist in planning and implementing the strategies to the fullest potential.

__**Professional Resources to Extend Your Learning**__
Throughout this chapter, the authors suggest various practitioner books and articles that can be used to supplement and guide your thinking of inquiry based teaching.
 * Harvey, S. (1998). Nonfiction Matters: Reading, Writing and Research in Grades 3-8. Portland, ME: Stenhouse.
 * Here is the link from google books for a preview of this book.
 * Buhrow, B. & Upczak Garcia, A. (2006). Ladybugs, Tornadoes, and Swirling Galaxies: English Language Learners Discover Their World Through Inquiry. Portland, ME: Stenhouse.
 * Here is the link from google books for a preview of this book.
 * Palmer, R. G., and Stewart, R. A. (2005). Models for using nonfiction in the primary grades. //The Reading Teacher, 58//(5), 426-434. Article Stable URL: [|__http://www.jstor.org/stable/20205503__]
 * This article supports the chapter very nicely. It sets the stage for the three models teachers can use to structure their nonfiction work through scaffolding and gradual release of responsibility. The three models are (1) teacher-directed instruction, (2) scaffolded student investigation, and (3) independent student investigation (p. 427). The article continues to explain the ways to implement each model effectively so that the teacher guides the students through each aspect of the chart on page 220 of the Harvey and Goudvis book.
 * This article should help primary grade teachers frame how to conduct inquiry based teaching with young children successfully.

__**Technology Resources to Support Topic Studies**__

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 * Video Resources **
 * Education in video --An example of topic studies in a classroom with diverse learners.
 * Inquiry with Young Children
 * Inquiry based learning (a free workshop for teachers with video and various activities)
 * Learning through the eyes of Scarlett
 * The Geo-Literacy Project

Gradual Release of Responsibility Resources
 * Doing What Works Clearinghouse example
 * Literacy Leader example
 * Gradual Release of Responsibility powerpoint by Fisher and Frey titled[| grr-institute-blog1]