Inquiry-Based Learning

What is Inquiry-Based Learning?

 is an educational strategy in which students follow methods and practices similar to
those of professional scientists in order to construct knowledge?
 is an education approach that focuses on investigation and problem-solving.
 prioritizes problems that require critical and creative thinking so students can
develop their abilities to ask questions, design investigations, interpret evidence,
form explanations and arguments, and communicate findings.

4 Types of Inquiry-Based Learning

1. Confirmation Inquiry – Students confirm a principle through an activity when the results
are known in advance.
2. Structured Inquiry – Students investigate a teacher-presented question through a
prescribed procedure.
3. Guided Inquiry – Students investigate a teacher-presented question using student
designed/selected procedures.
4. Open Inquiry – Students investigate questions that are student formulated through
student designed/selected procedure

5E’s Inquiry-Based Learning Model

 Engage
 Explore
 Explain
 Elaborate
 Evaluate

Benefits of Inquiry-Based Learning

 Encourage critical thinking.
 Improves problem-solving skills
 Encourages creativity
 Improves communication skills
References
Ai, R., Bhatt, M., Chevrier, S., Ciccarelli, R., Grady, R., Kumari, V., … Wong, H. (2008). Choose your
own inquiry. Lanham, MD: University Press of America.

Lee, V. S., Greene, D. B., Odom, J., Schechter, E., & Slatta, R. W. (2004). What is inquiry guided
learning. In V. S. Lee (Ed.), Teaching and learning through inquiry: A guidebook for institutions and
instructors (pp. 3-15). Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.