What Is Inquiry-Based Learning?
Inquiry-based learning is a student-centered teaching method that encourages students to ask questions and investigate real-world problems. In this type of learning environment, students are actively engaged in the learning process and are given the opportunity to explore their natural curiosities.
This type of learning is often hands-on and allows students to connect what they are learning in the classroom and the real world. Inquiry-based learning has been shown to improve critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
What are the roles of students in inquiry-based learning?
In inquiry-based learning, students take on the role of researcher. They are encouraged to ask questions and explore new ideas. Students also have the opportunity to share their findings with their classmates and learn from each other.
How to Promote Inquiry in the Classroom?
With our “What?” and our “So what?” figured out, let’s think about how can we create a culture of inquiry in our classrooms.
We can use a three-pronged approach that entails serving as role models of curious thinking, designing opportunities for formulating questions, and providing guidance as learners share their thinking. These steps would look like this:
Model: Provide a big idea provocation at the beginning of a learning experience, unit, or situation under consideration that is significant enough to provoke learners to adopt an interest.
Design: Create learning experiences that provide opportunities for learners to make and share their questions that evolve from our provocation. The gold ring of the Verb Wheel below can spark ideas for processes that can be used when designing learning.
Guide: Facilitate learner reflection for connections to self, previous learning, and the world.
Using Feedback to Deepen the Inquiry
We know effective learning cannot take place without formative assessment practices to match. Formative feedback loops, in addition to scaffolding activities and the adoption of powerful questioning strategies, are an important, if not essential aspect of an inquiry-based education. The feedback that signals progress in memorizing facts and formulas is different from feedback that signals the state of the student’s understanding. Students also need feedback about the degree to which they know when, where, and how to use the knowledge they are learning.
Assessment should be a regular part of teachers’ planning: Assessment allows teachers to develop a feedback loop that informs them of their next steps on a regular basis. It also needs to be ongoing. As teachers observe and coach students as they engage with a task or activity, teachers are assessing what students are learning, and what teachers need to teach them next.
Assessment must be ongoing: On a day-to-day basis, students should know where they stand and where they are heading. It’s not enough to assess students at the end of a task. Students and teachers must have ways to determine what understandings are emerging, where the gaps in understanding are, and what to do next.
References: https://www.casieonline.org/post/initiating-inquiry-in-the-classroom?utm_source=google_cpc&utm_medium=ad_grant&utm_campaign=awareness&gclid=CjwKCAjw5remBhBiEiwAxL2M92nLkcVNzdXJdLRWC52A5cyFVaiECVJuUJgkOp1Pg2PfDfKFO01_yBoCG6EQAvD_BwE. https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/what-is-inquiry-based-learning-a-complete-overview/.
Using Feedback to Deepen the Inquiry
Based on my own experiences, I have had several practical approaches to implementing inquiry-based learning. I used to support with open questions in kindergarten rather than providing all the answers, using open-ended questions to guide children’s thinking. I encouraged them to explore possible solutions and draw their conclusions. Another approach was Observing and Listening to Children. I Paid close attention to children’s questions, interests, and curiosities. I observed their play and interactions to identify potential inquiry topics and engaged in conversations with children to understand what sparks their curiosity.