Inquiry-based learning involves the student engaging in authentic, self-directed learning. Often inquiry-based learning is collaborative. Ideally the instructor is the facilitator of the learning experiences. In more guided inquiry experiences the instructor sets initial parameters and students follow a line of inquiry tied to the parameters.
When using inquiry-based learning with your students consider the following:
- What are your learning goals for students?
- What knowledge, skills and/or dispositions do you want students to gain from this learning experience?
- What do you, as the instructor, need to be done prior to introducing students to their learning experience?
- What will you do to support students in their learning experience, especially if they get stuck?
- How will you and your students measure growth in learning?
- Will students work independently or in groups?
- How will students share their learning and/or progress with each other?
Examples of inquiry-based learning include, but are not limited to:
- Project-based learning
- Problem-based learning
- Design-based learning
- Laboratories