Co-inquiry with students: When shared questions lead the way

Carmen Werder; Shevell Thibou; Scott Simkins; Karen Hornsby; Kali Legg; Tawanna Franklin

doi:10.20343/teachlearninqu.4.2.4

Authors

Carmen Werder Western Washington University
Shevell Thibou Western Washington University
Scott Simkins North Carolina A&T University
Karen Hornsby North Carolina A&T University
Kali Legg Western Washington University
Tawanna Franklin North Carolina A&T University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20343/teachlearninqu.4.2.4

Keywords:

SoTL, Partnership with Students, Co-Inquiry, Institutional SoTL

Abstract

Co-inquiry represents a distinctive relational model for partnering with students in SoTL that focuses on the process of seeking itself, and in particular, the importance of shared questions. We use case studies from two institutions to illustrate co-inquiry in action and highlight the importance of shared questions in changing the faculty-student dynamic in ways that foster deep learning. Clarifying the nature of co-inquiry around shared questions represents a valuable way to effectively strengthen and enrich learning not only for students, but also for everyone involved in SoTL partnerships with students. The programs described here illustrate how co-inquiry can work as a form of institutional SoTL, providing valuable and authentic opportunities to incorporate student voices—and shared questions—in effecting institutional change.

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Author Biographies

Carmen Werder, Western Washington University

Carmen Werder is former Director of the Learning Commons at Western Washington University, including overseeing its Teaching-Learning Academy and is affiliated faculty in the Department of Communication Studies.

Shevell Thibou, Western Washington University

Shevell Thibou is the Assistant Director of the Learning Commons and Teaching-Learning Academy at Western Washington University.

Scott Simkins, North Carolina A&T University

Scott Simkins is an Associate Professor of Economics and co-directs the Wabash-Provost Scholars program at North Carolina A&T State University.

Karen Hornsby, North Carolina A&T University

Karen Hornsby is Coordinator of Liberal Studies: Pre-Law, an Associate Professor of Philosophy, and co-directs the Wabash-Provost Scholars program at North Carolina A&T State University.

Kali Legg, Western Washington University

Kali Legg is a 2015 alumna of Western Washington University and Huxley College of the Environment, a former Learning Commons Student Liaison, and participant in the Teaching-Learning Academy.

Tawanna Franklin, North Carolina A&T University

Tawanna Franklin is a 2015 alumna of North Carolina A&T State University, a former Wabash-Provost Scholar, and is currently attending Florida State University College of Law.

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