Inquiry-Based Learning Model

Inquiry-based Learning Model
What is Inquiry-based Learning

The Inquiry-based Learning Model emerged in the 1960s, during the “discovery
learning” movement and relies upon the idea that individuals are able to learn by
investigating scenarios and problems, and through social experiences. Rather than
having to memorize information from printed materials, instructors encouraged
their students to conduct investigations that would satisfy their curiosity, help them
broaden their knowledge base and develop their skills and mental frames.
It’s important to remember that inquiry-based learning is not a technique or
practice per se, but a process that has the potential to increase the intellectual
engagement and deep understanding of learners, urging them to:
Develop their questioning, research and communication skills

Collaborate outside the classroom
Solve problems, create solutions, and tackle real-life questions and issues
Participate in the creation and amelioration of ideas and knowledge
The 5 steps of inquiry-based learning

This is why inquiry-based learning includes the following steps:
Ask questions
Probe into various situations
Conduct analyses and provide descriptions
Communicate findings, verbally or in writing
Think about the information and knowledge obtained
The principles of inquiry-based learning
There are certain principles that govern inquiry-based learning and can be
summarized as follows:
Principle 1
Learners are in the center of the entire process, while instructors, resources and
technology are adequately organized to support them.
Principle 2
All learning activities revolve around information-processing skills.
Principle 3
Instructors facilitate the learning process, but also seek to learn more about their
students and the process of inquiry-based learning.
Principle 4
Emphasis should be placed on evaluating the development of information-
processing skills and conceptual understanding, and not on the actual content of the
field.
The 4 forms of Inquiry

There are four forms of inquiry that are commonly used in inquiry-based
instruction:
Problem-based inquiry approach
A problem-based inquiry approach is a problem-solving approach to inquiry-based
learning. In this kind of approach, students are given real-world trouble to solve.
This type of inquiry-based learning is often used in mathematics and engineering
classes, where students are asked to follow what they have learned to solve a real-
world problem.
Structured Inquiry approach
The structured inquiry strategy is a sequential process that helps students learn how
to ask questions and look at real-world problems. This type of inquiry-based
learning is often used in science classes, the place students are given trouble
investigating and are taught how to use the scientific manner to find a solution.
Open-ended inquiry approach
The open-ended inquiry approach is a more free-form approach to inquiry-based
learning. In this type of getting-to-know environment, students are given the
freedom to discover their interests and ask questions about the subject matter they
are studying. This type of inquiry-based learning is often used in humanities
classes, the place students are asked to explore a topic in-depth and debate
different viewpoints.
Guided inquiry approach
The guided inquiry approach is a teacher-led approach to inquiry-based learning.
In this kind of approach, the teacher publications the students via the inquiry
process and helps them to ask questions and discover solutions to real-world
problems. This kind of inquiry-based learning is regularly used in elementary and
middle school classrooms.
In an instructional setting, inquiry-based learning can give instructors the

opportunity to allow students to fully explore problems and scenarios, so that they
can learn from not only the results, but also the process itself. They are encouraged
to ask questions, explore their environments, and obtain evidence that support
claims and results, and design a convincing argument regarding the way they
reached to the end result.
Benefits of inquiry-based Learning
Encourages Critical Thinking

Inquiry-based learning encourages students to assume critically about the facts
they are presented with. They are requested to question the information and
develop their personal solutions. This type of learning helps students boost
problem-solving skills and essential thinking skills.
Improve problem-solving skills
Inquiry-based learning helps students improve problem-solving skills. When they
are given the opportunity to discover real-world problems, they are forced to
assume outside the box and come up with their own solutions. This is an essential
skill that will assist them in their future careers.
Encourages Creativity
This concept of learning encourages creativity. When students are given the
opportunity to discover a problem independently, they regularly come up with
creative solutions. This is due to the truth that any particular way of wondering
does not avoid them.
Improve Communication skills
It also helps students enhance their communication skills. When working on a
problem, they regularly have to explain their thoughts and ideas to others. This
helps them study how to communicate correctly with others.
Help Students understand complex topics
Inquiry-based learning can also assist students to recognize complex topics. When
they are allowed to discover these topics in a hands-on environment, they can
study them more meaningfully.
Benefits of Student Question-Asking

During the inquiry-learning process, students practice research skills, reflect on
progress toward a goal, summarize and communicate their findings, and much
more.
1. Raises basic misunderstandings and knowledge gaps
Student questions are information-dense communication points that help an
instructor quickly gauge the level of understanding a student has about the topic or
project. “The quality of the questions students ask reveals how much they know
and how well they learn” (White & Gunstone, 1992).
2. Prompts deeper thinking on a topic

Research shows that asking questions helps students to better retain new
information. “Questions activate ‘prior knowledge,’ helping students connect new
learnings to what they already know” (Schmidt, 1992).
3. Helps students discover their thinking on a complex topic

When students ask questions they must self-evaluate what they know. “The
process of asking questions allows them to articulate their current understanding of
a topic… and also to become aware of what they do or do not know” (Chin &
Osborne, 2000).
Teaching in an Inquiry-Based Learning Method

Planning
Facilitation
Iteration and Improvement
Other Resources
Tools and Rubrics
Question Productivity Index (QPI) Rubric – teachers use this rubric to help
students self assess their goal-focused questions or sub-research questions.
Bloom’s Taxonomy of Questions – This is great for helping teachers and students
think through questions that are meant to better understand content.

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Inquiry-based Learning Model

What is Inquiry-based Learning

Develop their questioning, research and communication skills

The 5 steps of inquiry-based learning

The 4 forms of Inquiry

In an instructional setting, inquiry-based learning can give instructors the

Benefits of inquiry-based Learning

Encourages Critical Thinking

Benefits of Student Question-Asking

2. Prompts deeper thinking on a topic

3. Helps students discover their thinking on a complex topic

Teaching in an Inquiry-Based Learning Method

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