how do you use inquiry based learning to promote critical thinking

Bringing Inquiry-Based Learning Into Your Class

A four-step approach to using a powerful model that increases student agency in learning.

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Adopting an inquiry-based learning (IBL) approach in my classroom has been the most meaningful change I have made in my teaching. The benefit of increased student agency in learning, the authentic connections we make to the world around us, and the 21st-century skills IBL nurtures are great reasons to explore how inquiry can enhance what you are doing in your classroom.

But with great opportunity come challenges all educators should consider before diving into inquiry. Perhaps one of the greatest mistakes the inquiry teacher can make is to give too much agency over learning to learners too soon. Many teachers get so inspired by the Free Inquiry process I share at conferences, as well as the demonstrations of learning students produce, that they have their students dive right into Free Inquiry when they make this powerful change in their teaching. In my experience, without scaffolding students will not feel as confident or supported through their inquiry journey.

The Types of Student Inquiry

The Types of Student Inquiry are a scaffolded approach to inquiry in the classroom, one that gradually increases student agency over learning while providing learners with the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding to be successful in their inquiry.        

In the shallow end of the Types of Student Inquiry pool, Structured Inquiry gives the teacher control of the essential question, the starting point—for example, “What defines a culture?” or “What is the importance of the scientific method?” These questions are not answered in a single lesson and do not have a single answer, and, in fact, our understanding of an essential question may change over time as we research it. In Structured Inquiry, the teacher also controls specific learning activities, the resources students will use to create understanding, and the summative assessment learners will complete to demonstrate their understanding.

In Controlled Inquiry, the teacher provides several essential questions. Learners unpack several resources predetermined by the teacher to provide valuable context and rich meaning relative to the essential questions. All learners typically demonstrate their understanding using the same summative assessment.                  In Guided Inquiry, the teacher further empowers student agency by providing several essential questions, having the students select the resources they will use to research their answers, and allowing them to choose how they will demonstrate understanding. Student agency over learning comes through this selection of resources and the summative assessment.

And finally, in the deep end of the inquiry pool, Free Inquiry allows learners, with the support of the teacher, to construct their own essential question, research a wide array of resources, customize their learning activities, and design their own summative assessment to demonstrate their learning.

How Are the Types of Student Inquiry Helpful?

Inquiry is most successful when strongly scaffolded. The Types of Student Inquiry act as a scope and sequence to support learners in their journey toward Free Inquiry. In my classroom, we begin in a Structured Inquiry model, transition to a Controlled Inquiry unit, move on to Guided Inquiry, and if all goes well, conclude in Free Inquiry. These four types of inquiry make up our time together in the course.

This structure allows us to successfully address the curriculum and the “must know” content and skills of each discipline, grade level, and course. In the Structured, Controlled, and Guided units, I plan to achieve specific learning objectives and unpack particular resources in order to best prepare my learners for whatever summative assessment they will see at the end of our time together. Whether it’s a provincial, state, or governing body exam or the SAT, I ensure that this material is learned during the types of student inquiry I have more control over.

Students should feel connected to their learning, certain about how to plan their inquiry, and comfortable with its responsibility. The Types of Student Inquiry structure our coursework and learning in a gradual release of control model, one where students learn essential inquiry skills throughout the year rather than being thrown into the deep end of the inquiry pool right away.

Each of my students has a copy of the swimming pool illustration above, and it hangs on our classroom wall. It illustrates the gradual increase of student agency our inquiry journey will provide, the changing skill set the inquiry learner will gain, and the ever-transforming role of the teacher. It also allows me to speak to the questions, concerns, or anxieties students may encounter in their inquiry. The swimming pool analogy illustrates that we won’t go anywhere in the pool until the learner is prepared to do so and that I’m always there to provide support, whether it be in the pool or facilitating from the side.

How to Move Forward in Adopting Inquiry

First, look through the lens of your learners when considering how you want to shape your classroom. Keep them at the heart of your decisions. Think of them as you plan what inquiry will look like in your classroom, imagine how they will respond to the gradual increase in agency, and question how you can best meet their needs.

Second, think big and start small. Take some time to imagine the inquiry classroom you want in a few years and begin to plan to make this dream a reality. Start with a unit you love or that you’ve seen resonate with your learners. Revamp it to begin with an essential question and frame it in one of the Types of Student Inquiry. At the end, reflect with your learners on how it went.

And last, try to become comfortable with the mess of uncertainty. Even with the scaffolding of the Types of Student Inquiry and the many structures I have in place to support increasing student agency, inquiry doesn’t offer a clear destination. What essential questions learners ask, what resources they will unpack, and what new understandings they create are all initially unknown when we begin our inquiry journey. Be prepared for this and for your learners to need support in adopting inquiry as their own.

Instilling Critical Thinking Skills Through Inquiry Based Teaching

By Suresh Thangarajan Good Sheperd International School

“ Education involves a passion to know that should engage us in a loving search for knowledge. ” (Freire, 1998, pg.4)

Inquiry-based teaching aims to increase student engagement in learning by helping students to develop the hands-on, minds-on skills needed for the 21st century. This approach is conducive for the complex work of learning. It prioritizes the prior knowledge and experience students bring to the classroom and it promotes active problem solving, critical thinking, and the shared construction of new ideas.

An Introduction the 5E Learning Cycle

The learning cycle is a widely recognized model of inquiry-based teaching. The origins of the learning cycle date back to the 1960’s and the work of Dr. Robert Karplus. After trips to the classroom, Dr. Karplus felt the desire to know more about how to teach well. Therefore, he continued to work with the elementary students as he studied the work of Jean Piaget, a developmental psychologist renowned for his work in education.

During this time, Dr. Karplus and a colleague, J. Myron Atkin, developed a style of learning called “guided inquiry” (Atkin & Karplus, 1962). This style of learning focused attention on student ideas and observations as the basis for learning. It included the stages of exploration, discovery, and invention. Atkin and Karplus hoped to support students in drawing on their own experiences and findings as a way to develop inferences and make sense of phenomena.

It is this notion of guided inquiry that is at the heart of most learning cycle models , including the 5E model. The 5E model was developed by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) and includes five learning cycle stages, each beginning with E. These stages are Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation.

In line with the guided inquiry tradition, student ideas take a central role in each stage. The BSCS model evolved from the work of other instructional models and incorporates findings from research on teaching and cognition.

It draws on the work of Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and others , as well as the findings of a synthesis report on how people learn put forth by the National Research Council and the National Academies of Science (1999).

This 5E model consists of the following phases: engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation. A brief explanation for each “E” in the 5E Instructional Model is given below. It also summarizes the instructional emphasis for the different phases. Engagement

The teacher accesses the learners’ prior knowledge and helps them become engaged in a new concept through the use of short activities that promote curiosity and elicit prior knowledge. The activity should make connections between past and present learning experiences, expose prior conceptions, and organize students’ thinking toward the learning outcomes of current activities.

Exploration

Exploration experiences provide students with a common base of activities within which current concepts processes, and skills are identified and conceptual change is facilitated. Learners may complete activities that help them use prior knowledge to generate new ideas, explore questions and possibilities, and design and conduct a initial investigation.

Explanation

The explanation phase focuses students’ attention on a particular aspect of their engagement and exploration experiences and provides opportunities to

demonstrate their conceptual understanding, process skills, or behaviours. This phase also provides opportunities for teachers to directly introduce a concept, process, or skill. Learners explain their understanding of the concept. An explanation from the teacher may guide them toward a deeper understanding, which is a critical part of this phase.

Elaboration

Teachers challenge and extend students’ conceptual understanding and skills. Through new experiences, the students develop deeper and broader understanding, more information, and adequate skills. Students apply their understanding of the concept by conducting additional activities.

The evaluation phase encourages students to assess their understanding and abilities and provides opportunities for teachers to evaluate student progress toward achieving the educational objectives and outcomes.

After exploring and imbedding the 5E phases of inquiry based learning, the following questions can be answered for further understanding of the process.

• What benefits of inquiry based teaching can be seen in a classroom?
• What are the key features of inquiry based teaching?
• What were the “take away” thoughts/questions? What connections can be made to our own teaching practice?

FariaPD supports teachers and leaders around the world with hands-on, active and creative professional development experiences. Join one of our online or in-person professional development events , each designed to support the unique goals of your school or district. FariaPD is part of Faria Education Group , an international education company that provides services and systems for schools around the world including ManageBac , a curriculum-first learning platform , OpenApply , an online admissions service , and Atlas , a tailored curriculum management solution for schools.

Contributing Author:

Suresh Thangarajan is currently serving as Coordinator, Curriculum and Professional Development & Head of Department of Mathematics at Good Shepherd International School , India. During his tenure as Coordinator, he held many administrative responsibilities. Suresh has played an active role in the accreditation/review process of the Council of International schools, IBDP and NEASC. He has attended many workshops, conferences, subject specific seminars both in India and abroad. Suresh has participated twice in the IBDP Curriculum Review Meetings for Mathematics held most recently in the Hague. He is an examiner and moderator for IBDP Mathematics HL since 2007. He has met the requirements for certification as an independent Lynn Erickson and Lois Lanning Concept based Curriculum & Instruction Presenter and Trainer. He regularly conducts professional development sessions for the members of staff of Good Shepherd International School.

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Inquiry-Based Learning: 11 Benefits of Fostering Curiosity and Critical Thinking

Inquiry-based learning is a dynamic and immersive educational approach that is reshaping classrooms worldwide. This pedagogical strategy turns the traditional model of instruction on its head by encouraging students to lead their own learning journey, fostering curiosity, exploration, and critical thinking skills. This blog post will delve into the principles and benefits of inquiry-based learning, providing valuable insights for educators seeking to invigorate their teaching methods and inspire their students.

Nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills is crucial in fostering Inquiry-Based Learning. This pedagogical approach encourages students to question, explore, and make sense of the world around them. By doing so, it instills a lifelong love for learning, cultivates intellectual curiosity, and empowers learners to seek knowledge independently. 

Critical thinking enables students to analyze information objectively and make reasoned judgments, fostering intellectual independence. Equally essential are problem-solving skills, which equip learners with the ability to devise effective solutions to challenges, promoting resilience and adaptability. Hence, nurturing these skills not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students for a complex, rapidly-changing world.

Benefits of Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) offers a wide range of benefits that contribute to a more effective and engaging educational experience for students. These benefits go beyond rote memorization and standardized testing, focusing on fostering skills and attitudes that are crucial for success in the modern world. Here are some of the key benefits of IBL:

1. Fostering Curiosity and Engagement

Inquiry-based learning taps into students’ natural curiosity by presenting them with intriguing questions and real-world problems to solve. This approach ignites their interest, driving them to explore topics in-depth and stay engaged throughout the learning process.

2. Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Inquiry-based learning encourages students to think critically and analytically. They must evaluate information, analyze evidence, consider multiple perspectives, and make informed decisions. These skills are essential for making sense of complex information and navigating the challenges of the 21st century.

3. Promoting Problem-Solving Abilities

By grappling with open-ended questions and real-world challenges, students develop strong problem-solving skills. They learn to approach problems systematically, apply creative thinking, and devise effective solutions – a valuable skill set for both academic and real-life scenarios.

4. Encouraging Active and Self-Directed Learning

Inquiry-based learning places students in the driver’s seat of their education. They actively seek out information, conduct research, and construct their understanding. This self-directed learning approach equips students with the ability to take ownership of their education beyond the classroom.

5. Building Communication and Collaboration Skills

Collaborative learning is integral to Inquiry-based learning. Students work together, exchange ideas, and engage in discussions to solve complex problems. This enhances their communication skills, teaches them how to collaborate effectively, and prepares them for teamwork in diverse settings.

6. Enhancing Information Literacy

In an era of vast information availability, IBL teaches students how to find reliable sources, critically evaluate information, and distinguish between credible and unreliable content. These skills are essential for making informed decisions in a data-rich world.

7. Cultivating Lifelong Learning Habits

Inquiry-based learning nurtures a love for learning that extends beyond formal education. Students develop the mindset and skills to seek out information, ask questions, and continue learning throughout their lives, adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

8. Empowering Creativity and Innovation

Inquiry-based learning encourages students to think outside the box, experiment with ideas, and generate innovative solutions. This creative approach helps students develop an entrepreneurial spirit and adapt to rapidly changing industries and technologies.

9. Increasing Retention and Deep Understanding

Inquiry-based learning promotes meaningful learning by connecting new information to existing knowledge and personal experiences. This approach enhances retention and fosters a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of concepts.

10. Preparation for Real-World Challenges

Inquiry-based learning simulates real-world problem-solving scenarios, better preparing students for the challenges they will face in their personal and professional lives. The skills developed through IBL are directly applicable to a wide range of situations.

11. Boosting Intrinsic Motivation

Engaging in self-directed exploration and problem-solving inherently boosts students’ intrinsic motivation to learn. The sense of accomplishment that comes from finding solutions to complex questions or issues serves as a powerful motivator.

Incorporating Inquiry-based learning into education nurtures well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills, attitudes, and habits necessary for success in a rapidly changing world. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration, IBL empowers students to become lifelong learners and active participants in their own education.

Understanding Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) is a dynamic and student-centered approach to education that encourages learners to seek answers to their questions through exploration and investigation. In this framework, education becomes less about memorizing facts, and more about constructing knowledge and understanding through the process of inquiry. In essence, IBL puts the student in the driver’s seat of their learning journey, stimulating curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

The role of questions in this learning process cannot be overstated. Questions serve as the catalysts that ignite the spark of curiosity in learners, inspiring them to embark on a quest for knowledge. These are not merely answers to be found, but challenges to be unraveled. They provide direction to the learning process, guiding learners as they navigate the vast seas of knowledge. Every answer found opens up new questions, keeping the cycle of inquiry alive, and establishing a lifelong love for learning.

Key Features of Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) is characterized by several key features that distinguish it from traditional teaching methods. These features emphasize active engagement, critical thinking, and student autonomy in the learning process. Let’s discuss these features in more detail:

1. Open-Ended Questions and Problems

In IBL, learning begins with thought-provoking questions or real-world problems that do not have a single correct answer. These questions encourage students to explore, research, and investigate various perspectives and solutions, fostering deeper understanding and curiosity.

2. Student Autonomy and Ownership of Learning

IBL places students at the center of their learning journey. They have the freedom to choose their topics, formulate their own questions, and design their research strategies. This autonomy cultivates a sense of responsibility for their education and enhances intrinsic motivation.

3. Collaborative Learning and Peer Interaction

Collaboration is a crucial component of IBL. Students are encouraged to work together in groups, share ideas, discuss findings, and provide feedback to one another. This collaborative environment mirrors real-world scenarios and promotes teamwork and effective communication skills.

4. Active Engagement and Exploration

IBL encourages active participation and hands-on experiences. Students engage in experiments, fieldwork, research, and projects that require them to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations. This active involvement deepens comprehension and helps retain knowledge.

5. Real-World Relevance

IBL connects classroom learning to real-life contexts. By addressing authentic problems or issues, students recognize the relevance of their studies in the broader world. This approach enhances motivation and helps students see the practical applications of what they are learning.

6. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Critical thinking is at the heart of IBL. Students are challenged to analyze information critically, evaluate evidence, make informed judgments, and develop creative solutions to complex problems. This cultivates higher-order cognitive skills essential for lifelong learning.

7. Iterative Process of Inquiry

IBL is not a linear process; it involves iteration and refinement. Students continually refine their questions, hypotheses, and methodologies based on new information and insights gained during their investigation. This iterative approach mirrors the dynamic nature of real-world problem-solving.

8. Instructor as a Facilitator

In IBL, educators take on the role of facilitators rather than authoritative lecturers. They guide students’ inquiries, provide resources, and support the learning process, while allowing students to take the lead in their exploration.

9. Interdisciplinary Connections

IBL often encourages interdisciplinary learning, as students explore topics that cross traditional subject boundaries. This approach highlights the interconnectedness of knowledge and prepares students to address complex, multifaceted challenges.

10. Emphasis on Process and Reflection

The learning process itself is emphasized in IBL, not just the final outcomes. Students engage in reflection, self-assessment, and metacognition, helping them understand how they learn, what strategies are effective, and how to improve their learning skills over time.

Incorporating these key features of IBL into teaching practices can have a transformative impact on education. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, and independent learning, IBL equips students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Implementing Inquiry-Based Learning

Implementing Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) involves creating an environment that supports student-driven exploration, critical thinking, and active engagement. Here are some key strategies and methods for successfully implementing IBL in the classroom:

1. Design Thought-Provoking Questions

Start with open-ended questions that stimulate curiosity and prompt investigation. These questions should encourage students to explore, analyze, and seek out information to develop their understanding.

2. Choose Real-World Problems

Select problems that are relevant to students’ lives and have real-world applications. This helps students see the value and significance of their learning and motivates them to find solutions.

3. Provide Autonomy and Choice

Allow students to choose topics or areas of interest within a broader theme. Giving them ownership of their learning empowers them to take responsibility for their education and explore areas they are passionate about.

4. Structure Inquiry Phases

Guide students through the inquiry process by breaking it into manageable phases. These phases might include asking questions, researching, analyzing data, brainstorming solutions, and presenting findings.

5. Utilize Multiple Learning Resources

Offer a variety of resources such as books, articles, videos, and online platforms to support students’ research. Encourage them to explore diverse sources and evaluate their credibility.

6. Facilitate Collaborative Learning

Foster a collaborative environment where students work in groups to share ideas, brainstorm solutions, and engage in discussions. Collaboration enhances critical thinking and communication skills.

7. Provide Scaffolding

Offer guidance and support as needed, especially at the beginning of the inquiry process. Gradually reduce assistance as students become more comfortable with self-directed learning.

8. Use Inquiry-Based Projects

Assign projects that require students to investigate, research, and present their findings. These projects can take various forms, such as presentations, reports, debates, or multimedia creations.

9. Encourage Reflection

Incorporate reflection periods where students evaluate their progress, the strategies they’ve used, and the challenges they’ve encountered. This helps them develop metacognitive skills and improve their learning approach.

10. Leverage Technology

Use technology tools to facilitate research, collaboration, and presentation. Online databases, research platforms, and communication tools can enhance the inquiry process.

11. Promote Questioning Skills

Teach students how to formulate effective questions. Encourage them to ask both lower-level and higher-order questions to guide their investigations.

12. Provide Flexibility in Assessment

Rethink traditional assessment methods. Consider using rubrics, peer evaluations, self-assessments, and portfolios that emphasize the learning process and growth rather than just final outcomes.

13. Incorporate Fieldwork and Experiments

Engage students in hands-on experiences, field trips, and experiments to apply theoretical concepts in practical settings. These experiences deepen their understanding and appreciation for the subject matter.

14. Model Inquiry

Demonstrate the inquiry process by engaging in discussions, conducting research, and asking questions yourself. Your enthusiasm for learning will inspire students to do the same.

15. Adapt to Individual Learning Styles

Recognize that students have different learning styles and paces. Provide opportunities for independent work, group activities, and one-on-one guidance to accommodate diverse needs.

16. Create a Safe Learning Environment

Foster a classroom atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and expressing their thoughts without fear of judgment.

17. Share Success Stories

Share examples of previous students’ successful inquiries to inspire and motivate current learners. This can demonstrate the potential outcomes of the inquiry process.

Remember that the implementation of IBL may require adjustments and experimentation. It’s important to be flexible, responsive to student needs, and open to refining your approach based on the feedback and outcomes you observe.

Overcoming Challenges in Inquiry-Based Learning

Overcoming challenges in Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) necessitates strategic planning and implementation. Here are some ways to address common obstacles:

1. Time Constraints

IBL requires more time than traditional teaching methods. To manage this, plan ahead, clearly establish learning objectives, and ensure the inquiry questions are concise yet thought-provoking. Incorporate time-saving tools like online collaboration platforms to enhance efficiency.

2. Lack of Resources

Lack of appropriate resources can inhibit IBL. Teachers can overcome this by using open-source resources available online, partnering with local organizations for field trips, or engaging industry professionals to provide real-world insights.

3. Student Resistance

Students accustomed to traditional learning methods may resist IBL. Gradual introduction of IBL, along with continuous guidance and encouragement can alleviate this issue. 

4. Assessment Difficulties

Assessing IBL activities can be challenging due to their open-ended nature. Rubrics designed specifically for IBL, focusing on critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, can be used to evaluate student performance effectively.

5. Teacher Preparation

Educators may find it difficult to shift from direct instruction to a facilitator role. Professional development, collaborative planning, and peer support can equip teachers with the necessary skills for implementing IBL.

While challenges exist, they can be overcome with strategic planning, resourcefulness, gradual implementation, and an appropriate assessment approach. In the end, the benefits of IBL — enhancing students’ critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and fostering a love for learning — far outweigh the challenges.

Inquiry-Based Learning serves as a powerful tool in the educational landscape, fostering curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and nurturing lifelong learning habits in students. By shifting the focus from mere information delivery to active exploration, this approach motivates learners to take ownership of their education, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject matter. Remember, the goal is not just to teach, but to inspire a thirst for knowledge that transcends the confines of the classroom.

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