In tangent with this larger goal, she uses an inquiry approach to examine
her teaching practices, as we see when she asks these questions: “How
do I help a small group of children become a learning group?” and “What is
my role in supporting the children’s learning in the herb garden?” She faces
the tension of wanting to plan and follow predetermined lessons when she
realizes that the children don’t know how to listen and share in the context
of a learning community. However, she recognizes through the inquiry
process that her growth in the project and the children’s learning process in
the herb garden cannot be rushed if authentic and meaningful learning is to
occur. Inspired by the underlying principles of the Reggio Emilia experience,
Ursula shares the importance of slowing down the pace of instruction to listen,
understand, question, reflect, dialogue with others, and plan for subsequent
experiences (Edwards, Gandini, & Forman 2011). This inquiry process
is consistent with research that notes that when teachers are involved in the
study of their classrooms, there is more commitment to long-term professional
development.