7 Section 2: The FISh model for inquiry
Overview
This section of the handbook introduces you to the FISh (Focus, Investigate and Share) model, which was created to support problem-based learning in an open cross-institutional professional environment. It is designed to support learning in small groups.You can use this model to assist your learning when engaging in the following three learning types:Challenge-based.Inquiry-based.Problem-based.
You can use this model to assist your learning when engaging in the following three learning types:
- Challenge-based.
- Inquiry-based.
- Problem-based.
Image source: Nerantzi, C. and Uhlin, L. (2012). Diagram based on diagram by Ellie Livermore.
Depending on the learning situation and context, you may choose to use the model by yourself, or with others when working in small or large groups.
Learning objectives
Successful completion of this section will enable you to do the following:
- Evaluate the FISh model for individual and collective inquiry.
- Discuss how you can use the FISh model by yourself or when working with others in groups.
Model stages
The FISh model contains three stages: Focus, Investigate and Share, as shown in the table below. The associated questions for each stage will guide you through your inquiry in a systematic way.
| Stage 1: Focus | Stage 2: Investigate | Stage 3: Share |
|---|---|---|
| What do I/we see? | How (and where) am I/are we going to find answers? | How am I/are we going to present my/our findings? |
| How do I/we understand what we see? | What will I do/Who will do what and by when? | What do I/we want to share with the community? |
| What do I/we need to find out more about? | Are there existing solutions and why should new ideas be generated? | How can I/we provide feedback to others? |
| What are the learning issues and intended learning outcomes? | What main findings and solutions do I/we propose? | What reflections do I have about my learning and working with others? |
Activity 2.1
If you choose to engage with the scenario for this part of the Jam (as presented in Section 1: The scenario), you should familiarise yourself with the FISh model and consider how you can use this for your inquiry, either by yourself or with your group members.
Begin by reading the scenario carefully. You’ll notice that there are a number of challenges. However, you won’t be trying to resolve them all during the Jam. Use the FISh model (particularly the first stage, ‘Focus’) to identify which specific aspect you would like to concentrate on. The prompts will help you.
You may wish to edit the table above and add key points relating to how you’ll be working with each stage of the scenario. You can use this to capture key points about your inquiry as you participate in the Jam and prepare for sharing your proposed solution.
Additional resources
You can find out more about the FISh model via: Nerantzi, C. and Uhlin, L. (2012) The FISh model: Focus, Investigate, Share. Developed for the open cross-institutional course Flexible, Distance and Online Learning (FDOL), University of Salford (UK) and Karolinska Institutet (Sweden). design | about flexible, distance and online learning (FDOL) FDOL.
