INQUIRY BASED LEARNING

Inquiry-Based Learning

What is Inquiry-Based Learning?

Inquiry-Based learning is student-centred and based on John Dewey’s philosophy that education begins with the curiosity of the learner.  "It is an approach to learning whereby students find and use a variety of sources of information and ideas to increase their understanding of a problem, topic, or issue....it espouses investigation, exploration, research, pursuit, and study." Guided Inquiry Learning in the 21st Century, Kuhlthau, Maniotes, Caspari, Libraries Unlimited,  2007

Why Teach Inquiry?

Research shows that active learning is a powerful tool. The benefits for students is the development of abilities that are crucial for learners such as, critical thinking, team-work and informational literacy. It encourages learners to be self-directed which is a significant skill that students will need to acquire in order to be successful in the 21st century. Inquiry-Based Learning can improve students´ enthusiasm and motivation for learning.

As as entry point, inquiry involves learners:

1.   ✦tackling real-world questions, issues and controversies

2.   ✦developing questioning, research and communication skills

3.   ✦solving problems or creating solutions

4.   ✦collaborating within and beyond the classroom

5.   ✦developing deep understanding of content knowledge

6.   ✦participating in the public creation and improvement of ideas and knowledge

Inquiry as “Play”

An analogy when considering the design and implementation of inquiry is the notion of play.  Here we might consider play not merely as a childish activity or games but rather in the  way put forth by John Seely Brown; play as the creative tension that exists between rules and freedom, between what is known and unknown.