Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) is an unconventional approach to teaching that involves students actively participating in posing questions and bringing life experiences to them. The basic goal behind this method is to channel the thought process of the student through questions and help them with “How To Think” instead of “What To Think.”
Let us know what inquiry based learning is.
Inquiry-Based Learning For Students
Inquiry-Based Learning helps students become curious about the world around them. When we ask students to explore ideas and concepts, we help them discover the world on their terms. We give them the freedom to think critically and creatively.
Inquiry-Based Learning is an approach to teaching that encourages students to explore topics and concepts through questioning. Students are given opportunities to investigate topics on their own and then share what they’ve learned with others. This approach helps students understand the material better because they’re actively engaged in the learning process.
When we learn something new, it triggers our curiosity. When we feel curious, we ask questions, explore ideas, and try out new ways of thinking. Curiosity helps us grow intellectually. Our brains are wired to learn. That’s why it is needed to teach our students to be curious. If we can spark their interest, they will be motivated to learn. Curiosity is contagious. Students will also be inspired by their curious peers. And when they see others excited about learning, they will become curious themselves.
Four Models For Implementing IBL
Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) is a pedagogical method that allows students to choose their path to answer a question. IBL provides a scaffolding approach to ensure successful student choices and freedom.
There are four models to introduce IBL in your classroom: Structured Inquiry, Controlled Inquiry, Guided Inquiry, and Free Inquiry. Each of these models provides a scaffolded approach to ensuring successful student choice and freedom.
Structured Inquiry-Based Learnin
Structured inquiry is a teaching method that involves guiding students through a series of steps. Teachers ask questions and guide students through activities and assessments. Structured inquiry is often used in science classrooms because it helps students understand concepts and apply them to real-life situations.
Controlled Inquiry
Controlled inquiry is an approach to teaching that allows students to explore one question from many different questions. These questions come from multiple sources, including teachers, peers, and the internet. Teachers curate the questions, which allows them to focus on what they care about while still allowing students to explore topics that interest them.
Guided Inquiry
Teachers introduce topics, and students begin to form their own questions about those topics. Students then choose their own resources to research those questions.
Free Inquiry
Students are free to explore any topic they choose. Teachers provide guidance and support, but students are responsible for designing their own lessons and assessing themselves.
How Can Teachers Implement Inquiry-Based Learning in Their Classrooms?
This can be answered with four basic steps that should form an outline of a simple unit:
Students Develop Questions They’re Hungry To Answer
Have students develop a problem statement that will require them to pitch their question in a constructed response, further inquiries, and citations.
Research The Topics Using Time In Class
Make sure there is some classwork, so students have the opportunity to research independently. You aren’t going to do the work, but you are going to provide guidance and modeling of reliable methods of researching.
Ask Them To Reflect On What Worked And What Didn’t
Reflection is key! And it’s not just about asking them to reflect on their opinions of the topic. It’s also about reflecting on the process. That’s where we can work in metacognitive thinking—thinking about thinking.
Essential components of inquiry-based learning include orientation, question development, investigation, conclusion, and discussion.
Benefits Of Inquiry-Based Learning
The benefits of inquiry-based learning are clear. Students are more engaged. They are empowered to take charge of their education. When students are engaged in meaningful ways, amazing things happen in classrooms and schools.
Engagement
Inquiring-based learning is about teachers helping students ask the questions they want to investigate. This requires meaningful participation from students, along with teacher support, which promotes student engagement. Research shows that this kind of teaching leads to higher levels of student engagement, which in turn leads to improved academic achievement.
Mastery
Students who engage in active learning tend to achieve higher grades than those who simply listen to lectures. Students who actively participate in class discussions and complete assignments are more likely to understand the material. When students are given the opportunity to create their own solutions to problems, they gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Knowledge Retention
Learning something new requires practice and repetition. Students need to be able to retain the information learned. Inquiry-based learning helps students understand concepts better because they are actively engaged in solving problems. When students are given an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned, they’re more likely to remember it.
Deeper Understanding
Inquiry-based lessons allow students to take center stage. Students are given a chance to explore problems and solutions in their own way. As a result, teachers can observe what students are thinking about, how they approach problems, and how they come to conclusions. This allows teachers to understand how their students learn best and helps them plan future lessons accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Teacher training and professional development are critical to supporting student success in inquiry-based learning. Studies show that teacher training and professional development help teachers feel confident about implementing inquiry-based learning. Support for teachers and educators helps them see the value of inquiry-based learning. Teachers who have the right tools and resources are more likely to engage students in inquiry-based learning activities. Students benefit from teachers who understand the value of inquiry learning.Classplus is an education technology company that helps educators. You can get all the benefits of new technologies while you are committed to your work. Get your own app custom-built for your needs, which helps you harness the power of technology as you wish. So, do not wait, get updated with technology with Classplus.
