As I start to synthesize what I learned, I keep coming back to the QUEST model. Being a special education teacher it is important for my students to learn one strategy at a time and add strategies, as they understand the strategy before. The QUEST model serves as an ideal metaphor for students quest for information. Using an acronym helps students remember the steps better. And, it is a model, which can be first introduced to students at elementary school level and a model that we can all use to research information.

Going forward I will use the Inquiry Based Unit Plan because I found it to be a good way for me to map out what I plan to do in a lesson. I will incorporate the QUEST model into my teaching by teaching the model to my students and letting them use it to research specific topics. I will also use the tools, such as charts, rubrics

For my professional development, I would like to start an email pen pal club with my students. I believe it would be a good way for students to socialize and not be inhibited by their disabilities. In order to do this I would learn how to use Schoolmail.com, so I could set-up student accounts, set protections and access settings based on student’s ages.


Eagleton, M. B. & Dobler, E. (2007) Reading The Web: Strategies for Internet Inquiry. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Demeski, J. (2008, November). E-paling around. The Journal. 35(11), 18-19