Inquiry-based learning activities to spark curiosity in the classroom
Just as learning must go on for a life-time, we must also remain curious about things that spark interest. Especially as students in the early stages of life when learning happens in the classrooms. Books cannot be the only source of information, they need to be supplemented with questions that help relate the information with the world around. This is the basis of inquiry based learning – a student-centric approach to learning encouraged with questions, ideas to be explored and answers to be discovered. These avenues allow learners to be active, personal and engaging.
Read on to know more about this widely accepted inquiry-based learning methodology.
What is Inquiry-based Learning?
The recent years have seen a departure from the traditional learning methods to one of active student participation in the process.They are encouraged to ask questions, seek the answers themselves if needed all in an attempt to understand and retain the information better. This is the inquiry-based learning strategy that is accepted world-wide, across all curricula. The teachers are no longer mere ‘knowledge-givers’ but guides on the discovery journey for the students. As a marked departure from before, the teaching methods are now structured to invite queries, mentor self-study and expect unique answers that are the measure of comprehension.
Types of Inquiry-based Learning
You have probably come across the notion of ‘every child learns at their own pace and method’. No one solution is the best fit for all students just as no pace of learning is the best. Each is unique and best for that child. Based on this, this learning process has been classified into four key types:
- Confirmation inquiry is where students verify a principle through an activity where the outcome is known.
- Structured inquiry is one where the teacher provides the question and procedure, but students investigate the outcome.
- Guided inquiry allows the students to figure out the answer to the question posed by the teacher
- Open inquiry is the process where students formulate their own questions, design investigations and draw conclusions.
Each of these types allow for a level of independence of thought that is perfect for curating the subject matter based on age groups or even levels of comprehension of the students.
Read More: Benefits of STEAM-Based Extracurricular Activities in Schools
The why behind Inquiry-based Learning theory
Renowned thinkers like John Dewey and Jerome Bruner laid the foundation for inquiry-based learning, where students are allowed to learn by ‘doing’ and ‘thinking critically’ rather than by blank memorisation of the subject matter. It was deemed that they retain the information better and longer with this freedom.
Benefits of Inquiry-based Learning
- Helps promote curiosity and engagement
- Allows students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving attributes
- Builds communication and collaboration skills
- Encourages creativity and independent thinking
- Connects learning to the world beyond the classroom
Read More: What is Universal Design for Learning and Why It Matters
Final thoughts on integrating this learning freedom
Are you ready to spark the inquiry mindset in your students? Start with one activity. Watch their interest levels skyrocket and confidence soar. That is proof enough of having found the perfect method to make lessons interesting and engaging for them.
As teachers, we always need to empower our students to become thinkers, questioners and solution seekers. How else will they make changes in the world and right the wrongs? Remember to give them the freedom to ask, explore and learn. This is your contribution to a better world beyond.