What is Inquiry-Guided Learning?

Inquiry-based Learning                  

            

Inquiry-based learning is an inductive learning process. Students are encouraged to build a new understanding of concepts through active engagement in their own learning process (Nilson, 2010). This approach stems from the work of John Dewey, an early constructivist. Dewey believed educators should teach the process of learning so students could become lifelong learners and continue to learn from life experience. (Roth, 2012).

In inquiry-based learning students are asked to respond to a question, test a hypotheses, interpret an observation or set of facts related to previously taught material but requiring additional research and critical thought.

All the inquiry-based teaching methods discussed in this blog are essentially the same in that they all provide students with a challenging problem whose resolution depends on obtaining additional information and deeper conceptual understanding. However, the approaches differ in the type of the challenge and the extent of support offered by the teacher.

A Diagram of the Inquiry Process

 Nilson, L. B., (2010). Teaching at its best: A research-based resource for college instructors. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

  

Roth, M.S. (2012, September, 5). Learning as Freedom. New York Times, Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/06/opinion/john-deweys-vision-of-learning-as-freedom.html?_r=0