Definitions

=Definitions of terms related to the inquiry question and the research findings:=


 * authentic learning and/or questioning**: is meaningful learning that uses real-world situations of interest. The questions that are formulated by students are motivated by a real genuine and personal interest.


 * Big Picture Question:** open-ended essential question based on curricular outcomes giving a wider scope for answering that encourages inquiry and research.


 * Constructivist approach:** bringing background knowledge to new learning. The learning is an active process for students to construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through personal inquiries. At times it is a hands-on approach. Important aspects are student self-reflections of their learning and plenty of opportunity for discussion and exchanging of ideas.


 * inquiry:** an approach to learning that is engaging and encourages curiosity, research and study. It involves thinking and formulating a question that is authentic. It is embedded into curricula.


 * Information literacy:** the ability to access and use information sources, to think critically and evaluate the resources, and to use information accurately and creatively. (Kuhlthau, 2007)


 * metacognition:** one's knowledge about their process of thinking, higher order thinking.


 * pathfinder:** is a guiding list of research on a specific topic, a map to the path that led you to the findings of your research.


 * Student personal inquiry:** personal research based on interests and background knowledge of student choice within the boundaries of curriculm


 * Web tools:** tools that allow one to create, read and write online for communicating ideas, networking and with social media.


 * Zone of proximal development: ﻿** This conccept comes from the theorist named Lev Vygotsky. He says, "The zone of proximal development is the distance between the actual developmental level as determined by independent problem solving and the level of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers" (Kuhlthau. C. C., Maniotes, L.K., & Caspari, A. K., 2007. p. 23)

Note: An example of zone of proximal development has been in my learning curve during my first taste at libraianship study. Some days it seems there is a great chasim between what I know and what am pursuing to know in the study of librairainship. I am in deed thinking about my own questions.