4 Powerful Inquiry Based Teach-

ing Strategies
By
Shelley Brewer
Posted:
30/08/2020
Updated:
21/04/2021
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Inquiry based teaching strategies are a powerful tool for
educators looking to connect with their students and apply
STEM principles. But when first using these strategies.
some students will really struggle with the free form nature
that STEAM learning can take. The lack of structure can be
intimidating and worrisome for those used to the step by
step nature normally used to teach school topics. Especially
if they are normally instructed through each step and not al-
lowed to experiment or explore. For these students this type
of learning can be difficult at first, but with some practice
they will soon master this powerful technique.
Inquiry Based Learning Strategies

What you will discover in this article!

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What is Inquiry Based Learning?
Inquiry-based learning is about triggering curiosity and fos-
tering critical thinking skills. It is about finding those things
that ignite a child’s passion and excitement, and drives
them to want to learn more. By embracing and encouraging
inquiry based learning we build a love of learning in stu-
dents that will last a lifetime.
To foster this educational growth, keep in mind the 4 differ-
ent types of inquiry instruction and use the one most appro-
priate for your students, project and situation.

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Structured Inquiry
Structured Inquiry is along the line of traditional teaching
methods. The teacher leads the students as they work
through the process as a class together. Let’s use a lesson
in Ancient Egypt as an example, where the STEM lesson
involves building catapults. With structured inquiry, the
teacher gives the lessons, then all the materials, with de-
tailed instructions they use as a class to build their catapults
together. This is where many people find themselves when
doing STEAM but a long term goal should be to work
through the other approaches to encourage children to de-
velop their skills as learners and pilots in their learning
journey.
Controlled Inquiry
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Controlled Inquiry is done within a framework established

by the teacher. The teacher provides the context, starting
ideas, tools and perhaps even some goals. Then the students
apply what they are given and move through the process
steps. In this approach the teacher may let the students de-
sign and build their own catapults, using their own ideas
and inspiration. Samples or ideas may be offered, but the
students are free to create their own designs, use their imag-
ination and be creative.
As part of this type of inquiry specific end goals may be
specified. For example, the catapult may need to hit a spe-
cific target at a set distance, or be a specific size. This limits
the students in some ways, but can also foster some incredi-
bly imaginative critical thinking and problem solving
skills.
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Guided Inquiry
Guided Inquiry involves the teacher choosing the topic or
questions, then the students are left to develop their own
methods of inquiry and processes for moving through con-
cepts. With our example, the teacher may teach concepts of
engineering and warfare in Ancient Egypt. From there, stu-
dents research and build their choice of items from the time
period, they are not limited to building a catapult. Perhaps
they want to build a model of a pyramid or a ship, or maybe
explore creating their own paper and ink and drawing hiero-
glyphs.
Due to the freedom and independent approach used in
Guided Inquiry, students may also chose to do their projects
in a different way. Instead of building and engineering, per-
haps they want to create a presentation, develop engineer-
ing drawings instead of constructing a catapult, or even do a
video report.
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Free Inquiry
Free Inquiry allows the students to take ownership over
their learning, including topic selection, questions, methods
and goals. In this instance, the teacher lets the students
chose whichever ideas they wish under the main umbrella
topic of Ancient Egypt. They can delve into the topic in any
way they desire and explore the concepts and ideas that ap-
peal to them. This requires a lot of self-discipline and com-
fort with self-directed learning. It is best to wait until the
students are comfortable with student led learning before
starting free inquiry.
Throughout my children’s education, Free Inquiry has al-
ways been my goal as part of my homeschool. This tech-
nique has been especially powerful for my gifted child.
Watching the growth and development that occurs when a
student can take ownership of their education and chase
their passions is something really magical to witness.
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When Strategies Start To Fail
Don’t be afraid to go from one level to another, even in the
middle of a project. Remember STEAM and inquiry strate-
gies are adaptable. Feel free to pivot, and take new direc-
tions as needed. The goal is learning, not following a set
path. These are not set in stone, adapt as needed to suit your
needs.
It is also important to remember that in order to succeed in
Inquiry Based Learning students will need a solid base of
knowledge in the subject matter. Lessons and teachings of
core principles will still need to happen to ensure success.

Students will also need time to learn key skills such as re-
search, critical thinking, problem solving and even team
work. These are all skills that may require explicit instruc-
tion, then mastery can come with practice and time.
Learning How To Do Inquiry Based
Learning Is Key
Learning how to do problem or inquiry based learning is an
important part of the process. Teachers should not expect
children to intuitively know how to be self-motived learners
who can embrace the freedom of these approaches. At least
not at the beginning. As the teacher we still need to be there
to support and help students. Sometimes just becoming
comfortable with new processes or learning technique is the
most important lesson of the day. Self confidence in one’s
ability to learn is the key to empowering a student to be-
come a lifelong learner. Don’t underestimate the impor-
tance of spending time teaching children how to learn, how
to take ownership of their learning, and also how to work as
a team.

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Note: Working as a team is different from working in a
group. Working as a team encourages each member to
bring their best strengths and skills to the table, then share
those strengths. Working this way together, the whole team
becomes stronger and more efficient. The ability to work in
a team is important, and a skill that needs to be learned by
all students. It is also something important for moving into
the workforce. STEAM activities and inquiry based learn-
ing can be a great tool for learning effective teamwork
skills and individual skill mastery.
Evaluating Inquiry Based Learning
Whether you are using inquiry based learning as part of
your homeschooling or in a classroom, learning how to
evaluate and grade this type of learning requires a shift in
the way grading is usually conducted. Test based evaluation
and standards simply no longer apply.
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With inquiry based learning, the process and journey is just
as important if not more important than the outcome. This
provides a richness to the educational experience but also a
challenge for educators who rely on tests and quantitative
evaluation.
With inquiry based learning it can be nearly impossible to
evaluate creativity, critical thinking, inventiveness and ex-
ploration. But it can be done.
Start by providing insights and feedback throughout the
process. Challenge students to stretch more, apply their crit-
ical thinking skills in new ways, and explore potential chal-
lenges in new ways. Credit students with how they grow
and learn individually through the process.
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Use qualitative tools rather than quantitative tools to evalu-
ate. Assess engagement and effort, use reflection tools and
problem logs, Socratic discussion and even surveys and self
assessments.
When evaluating student understanding and learning look
for key signs such as:
• appropriate use of vocabulary,
• the ability to exchange ideas effectively and clearly,
• their ability to problem solve or present their topic in a
way that is supported by explanation, insight, and evi-
dence.

Consider building a portfolio to demonstrate knowledge

and understanding. This can be an incredible tool for stu-
dents to see how much they have accomplished.
Inquiry Based Teaching Strategies tie very strongly into
STEM teaching principles. By fostering a love of learning
and growth in students, it enables them to become owners
of their learning
<img width="600" height="900" data-pin-description="In-
quiry based teaching strategies are a powerful tool in educa-
tion and STEM that fosters strong critical thinking skills.
Learn 4 key Strategies plus evaluation tips for teachers and
homeschoolers. By fostering a love of learning in students,
it enables them to become owners of their education. This
helps build passionate, life long learners who are resilient
and capable of becoming change makers. Click to learn
more about Inquiry Based Strategies. #Homeschool
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Shelley Brewer
Shelley is the owner and creator of STEAM Powered Fam-
ily, which she started in 2015 as a way to share her passion
for how brains work, plus education and learning. She has a
BSc Psychology Specialization, with post grad research and
studies in memory, cognition, learning and childhood men-
tal health. She is passionate about exploring educational ap-
proaches that promote positive children's mental health
practices, and inclusive practices that encourage a love of
learning in all students. Most of all she loves research and
figuring out how things work, and sharing that knowledge
with others. Shelley also loves reading, writing, hiking and
traveling with her family.
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