What is Inquiry-Based Teaching?
Inquiry-based teaching is a teaching method that combines the curiosity of students and the scientific method to enhance the development of critical thinking skills while learning science. As learners encounter problems they do not understand, they formulate questions, explore problems, observe, and apply new information in seeking a better understanding of the world. The natural process the learners follow when seeking answers and deeper understanding closely follows the generally accepted scientific method. Often, the answers proposed by learners lead to even more questions—much like the outcomes of research. Students engage in five activities when they engage in inquiry learning and use the scientific method, as noted in the National Science Education Standards published by the National Academy of Sciences. Although these tasks occur in a logical progression, inquiry is a fluid process, and one task may lead back to a previous task. This process is illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 1.
Related Questions
- What final tips help teachers and librarians use primary sources successfully for inquiry-based teaching and learning?
- Can a new teacher or a teacher new to inquiry-based teaching methods handle this investigation-based program?
- How can podcasts be applied in the classroom setting as a primary tool for delivering lessons?
