What is Inquiry-Based Learning, and How is it Effective?
Everything you need to know about Inquiry-based Learning. Read more about the Type of Inquiry-based learning and how effective it is.
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Developed in the 1960s during the “discovery learning” movement, inquiry-based learning applies to many subject areas with proven benefits for students and the learning process.
What is inquiry-based learning?
Inquiry-based learning is a student-centred teaching process that encourages learners to ask questions, investigate complex problems and connect the things they learn in the classroom with the real world. Students involved in this teaching method become engaged in collaboration with others, problem-solving and exploration of their natural curiosities. Inquiry-based learning helps students develop skills that prepare them for academic education and career.
Types of inquiry-based learning
There are four main approaches to this teaching method:
Guided inquiry approach
In this teacher-led approach, learners only receive a question, must define a method of investigation and test the question at the end. Primary and intermediate schools use the guided inquiry approach the most.
Structured inquiry approach
Learners receive the question and the method of achieving the result but have to provide an explanation supported by the evidence collected during and through the specific investigation process.
This approach is often utilised in science classes, enabling students to apply the scientific process to identify a solution.
Open-ended inquiry approach
Students are free to explore their interests. They must develop their own questions, define investigative methods, conduct the inquiry and present their results once the process is complete.
The open-ended inquiry approach is frequently used in humanities classes, where learners explore topics in-depth and discuss different viewpoints.
Problem-based inquiry approach
This is a problem-solving approach in which learners are supposed to solve a real-world problem. A problem-based inquiry approach is present in mathematics and engineering classes, enabling students to apply what they have learned to tackle real-life issues.
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The learning centre teaching staff’s professional development is an integral part of the working hours, not just a periodical review of their performance and skills.
The governing principles of inquiry-based learning are:
- Students are at the centre of the process. Teachers, resources and technology support them;
- All learning activities focus on information-processing skills;
- Teachers teach students and learn more about them and the process of inquiry-based learning;
- The central point is assessing the development of information-processing skills and conceptual understanding instead of the content of the studied subjects.
How is inquiry-based learning effective?
According to the article “What is Inquiry-Based Learning (and How is it Effective?)”, we retain 75% of things we do compared to only 10% of what we read and 5% of what we hear.
When students research and investigate a topic by themselves, they become curious and feel encouraged to discuss it with their colleagues and ask questions to gain deeper insights and knowledge about it.
By enabling students to take responsibility for their education, this teaching method keeps them engaged, interested in their studies, and focused on self-directed learning and problem-solving. It also encourages learners to explore a topic in-depth instead of looking for the easiest solution.
The inquiry learning model helps learners develop their knowledge using concepts they have previously encountered in solving different types of problems or situations. The students then connect new information with existing cognitive structures, resulting in effective learning and outcomes.
Inquiry-based learning is effective because:
It develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills
When students question the information they have and create their solutions for given problems, they often think “outside the box”. Practised regularly, this turns into the ability to use critical thinking and solve problems.
It improves communication skills
Working on a problem determines learners to use communication for verbalising their thoughts, ideas and solutions. It improves their communication skills with others in both written and oral form.
It prompts a deeper understanding of the subjects studied
by going deep into a concept with the help of inquiry, students begin to see this concept as more than an idea or rule. Learners understand how an idea was born, why a rule works and when it applies. This understanding is based on interpretation through their methods and thinking patterns, leading them to acknowledge what they have learned.
It connects students to real-world
When learners explore issues from the real world, they see first-hand how everything they learn in the classroom applies to real-life situations. It enables them to understand better the subjects they are studying and the world around them.
How to apply inquiry-based learning in the classroom
Many inquiry-based learning activities can be applied in the classroom based on the level of education. For instance, activities used in early learning centres or kindergartens differ from those in high or primary school.
How to apply inquiry-based learning in the classroom
Many inquiry-based learning activities can be applied in the classroom based on the level of education. For instance, activities used in early learning centres or kindergartens differ from those in high or primary school. Examples:
Create a time-capsule
Primary school students search to decide what objects they would put in a time capsule and why. This encourages them to talk about the relevance of objects for the progress of humanity and generates constructive debates among them.
Conduct a science experiment
Pre-school children experiment with planting seeds in small pots and caring for them as they grow. This involves using what they have learned about plants, observing their progress and providing them with the conditions they need for thriving: water, light and a hospitable environment.
Separate facts from fake information
Primary school students receive a list of “facts” about planets from our solar system. Some of these facts are fake information. The students work in small groups and write down which information is true and which is not, sharing their ideas and thoughts with others.
Organize a field trip
Taking a field trip encourages students (of any age) to observe their surrounding environment, explore real life and then communicate their notes during class. Exchanging notes reveals other students’ perspectives and helps them learn about what others consider relevant based on taken notes.
Conduct an archaeological dig
High school students can be involved in a simulated archaeological dig to discover different items. They need to identify the era and the historical figures to which these items belonged to. This activity enables them to investigate, conclude and discuss their findings, which improves at the same time their communication skills.
Inquiry-based learning is a highly effective teaching method. It works at every level of education because it encourages curiosity and in-depth exploration by students of various studied subjects. It enables students to retain more information, be more engaged in their studies and achieve better academic results.
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We are so happy that our son is a part of the Bright Beginnings family. The staff have been so welcoming and caring since the day he joined here. He has the freedom to explore and experiment as he learns about the world around him. With each passing day, he is growing into a confident and independent young boy, while building friendships and learning important life skills. We are also especially happy that he gets nutritious meals everyday, an important concern for us as parents. Most importantly, he loves it so much here that he can't wait to be back at the Centre every morning! As parents, we can go about our day with the assurance that our son is in good hands within a safe environment. Thank you to the entire BBELC team for that, Devika.
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