UNIT 4
Course code
8601
OBJECTIVES
After completion of this unit you will be able to:
• 1. Use the inductive and deductive methods of teaching in the actual classroom
setting.
• 2. Use scientific method to enhance learning of their students.
• 3. Use problem solving approach to leaning for authentic learning of their
students.
• 4. Select appropriate teaching technique as per context and content of the lesson.
• 5. Develop appropriate AV aids to foster inquiry.
• 6. Make informed decisions as to when the use of inquiry method will be most
conducive.
Introduction
According to Kahn and O’Rourke, (2005) inquiry based learning
is student centered learning and is a paradigm shift from passive
to active learning process. Therefore inquiry based learning can
be perceived as broader term that involves
•Range of teaching learning approaches
•Process of guidance by supportive inquiry
•Active involvement of the learner to foster critical thinking.
Definition of inquiry
Inquiry" is defined as "a seeking for truth, information, or
knowledge -- seeking information by questioning."
Individuals carry on the process of inquiry from the
time they are born until they die. This is true even
though they might not reflect upon the process.
Infants begin to make sense of the world by inquiring.
Advantages of inquiry method
The following are the major advantages of the inquiry
approach.
• Be interested and enthusiastic
• Get students talking to each other and learning from the peers
• Promote the use of accurate current information resources as
students research their learning issues
• Establish a good learning environment for the group Students develop
skills in:
• Critical and creative thinking
Conti...
• Communication
• Self-directed learning
• Team-work
• Project management
• Problem-solving and
• Students get to know one another better and make
friends
Disadvantages of inquiry method
The problem lies with the assessment of inquiry instruction and
major problem with inquiry programs is that valid acceptable
measures of the outcomes of inquiry based learning are hard to
find or difficult to interpret. Inquiry learning is also difficult to
quickly access and analyze through testing. Multiple-choice
questions, the preferred mode for standardized testing, are
not readily adapted to measuring the process skills needed
for critical thinking.
Conti...
• Structured short-answer questions have the
ability to measure problem-solving abilities
as well as knowledge recall, but are more
time consuming to develop and score. Time
spent in study outside of class is a factor of
concern to both instructors and students
alike, it is too much time consuming.
Conti...
• The scope of the inquiry method is limited in
terms of contents also the effective
applications of this
approach requires motivated and
mature students.
• The teachers also need to be well competent in
planning, designing, conducting and monitoring
the inquiry based learning.
Problem Solving Approach
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Five Characteristics
of
Inquiry-Based Learning
1. Bloom’s Taxonomy
2. Asks Questions that Motivate
3. Utilizes a wide variety of resources
4. Teacher as Facilitator
5. Meaningful products come out of inquiry-based learning
1. Bloom’s Taxonomy
Inquiry-based Learning
asks questions that come
from the higher levels of
Bloom’s Taxonomy.
.
2. Asks Questions that Motivate
Inquiry-Based Learning
involves questions that
are interesting and
motivating to students.
3. Utilizes wide variety of resources
Inquiry-based Learning utilizes a
wide variety of resources so
students can gather information
and form opinions.
4. Teacher as Facilitator
Teachers play a
new role as guide
or facilitator
Teacher as Guide
Rather than teach content, you will manage team member
interactions so that teams stay focused and make progress. With
your careful encouragement, each team's problem, plan of action,
and outcome will emerge on its own, the unique product of its
members' collective strengths and interests. In your role of
facilitator, you will begin by briefing students on their projects they
will be doing. When team work begins, you will spend most of your
time observing team members to determine what problems they
are having working together and completing their assignments.
SUMMARY
• "Inquiry" is defined as "a seeking for truth, information, or knowledge -- seeking
information by questioning."
• The inquiry approach is more focused on using and learning content as a means to
develop information-processing and problem-solving skills.
• Inquiry classrooms are open systems where students are encouraged to search and
make use of resources beyond the classroom and the school.
• An inquiry classroom is quite different from a traditional classroom. These
differences become increasingly obvious as the teacher and students become more
comfortable and experienced with inquiry learning.
