INQUIRY BASED LEARNING

Inquiry-based learning is a research-based strategy that actively involves students in the exploration of the content, issues, and questions surrounding a curricular area or concept. The activities and assignments in an IBL classroom can be designed such that students work individually or together to solve problems involving both in-class work and fieldwork

Inquiry based learning is :

  v  Questions

  v  Discussions

 v  Real life

 v  Purpose

v  Collaboration

 v  Facilitation

v  Comunity involvment

v  Students as teacher

v  Teacher as learner

Inquiry based learning is:  An authentic attempt to answer a real world problem or issue.

Students in Inquiry-Based Learning

ž  Students view themselves as learners in the process of learning. 

ž  Students accept an "invitation to learn" and willingly engage in an exploration process. 

ž  Students raise questions, propose explanations, and use observations. 

ž  Students plan and carry out learning activities. 

ž  Students communicate using a variety of methods. 

ž  Students critique their learning practices. 

Teachers in Inquiry-Based Learning

FACILITATOR OF LEARNING

ž  The teacher reflects on the purpose and makes plans for inquiry learning. 

ž  The teacher facilitates classroom learning.

ž  Teacher models inquiry by asking leading questions.

ž  The teacher allows for diversions from the intended goal… values what the students want to learn.

Advantages        

ž  Flexible and adaptable for a variety of projects.

ž  Helps to build self-esteem through allowing them to be more active in their own learning process, rather than passive via traditional lecture based methods.

ž  Reinforces and builds several skills of students in the areas of physical, emotional, andcognitive.

ž  It can work with any age group.

 Disadvantages

ž  Doesn´t work for all science topics.

ž  Requires more planning, preparation, and responsiveness from the educators.

ž  Educators must be skilled in helping students learn the art of asking a good question.

ž  Requires more class time

ž  May be less able to meet goals of standardized testing

Why do inquiry?

Research Findings:

ž  Understanding science is more than knowing facts.

ž  Students build knowledge on what they already know (preconceptions)

ž  Students formulated new knowledge by modifying and refining their current concepts (misconceptions)