Inquiry-based learning is a form of experiential learning which encourages and gives students the opportunity to explore subjects, concepts, topics and ideas in a way that uniquely ignites learning in each individual student. This form of learning is a shift from the traditional way which is content driven and instead requires students to be involved in gaining their knowledge through active immersion in the subject. Children are given a question and through the skills and resources provided to them, they must discover, explore, investigate and research for the answer to that question. This leads them to conclusions, and they convert that information into useful knowledge.
In inquiry-based learning a student’s role is emphasized in the learning process and rather than the teacher asking questions, the students are encouraged to ask the questions. This method allows students to actively engage and interact with that topic and understand it at a deeper level rather than just learning about it by listening to a teacher. This method helps students understand the foundation and basics of a topic and how it works and is applied in real-life situations. The inquiry-based learning method takes place through projects and experiential learning, where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore resources and share their ideas and concepts. By doing this they are able to look at all the different angles of the subject and the way it interacts with reality, which gives them an intimate understanding of it, something that will stick in their minds as compared to something that’s been done through rote learning.
Hence, an inquiry-based learning process allows better recall simply by the fact that the student has actively engaged with the topic, drawn their own conclusions and made a connection. Some other benefits of this method of learning are:
Inquiry-based learning teaches a student the various skills of discovery, research, teamwork, critical thinking, communication and improves comprehension and understanding. These are skills which can be applied to any subject, topic or event in life.
This method of learning allows students to ask questions, wonder and generate curiosity. Asking questions and sharing their ideas fosters curiosity, an ability that helps them in exploring and discovering other interests as well.
By engaging with the topic at all levels, then doing research and following it up with their own conclusions, helps students understand the topic deeply and creates better recall than if they had simply memorised the reading material.
Sitting in a classroom and listening to a teacher may not always be the most engaging way to learn for students. Rather than memorising and taking down notes, the inquiry-based method allows for students to be actively engaged with the topic and learn in their own way which helps them connect with it and gain a deeper understanding while also developing a passion for curiosity and exploration.
At GIG International School, our entire pedagogy is based around the 7-steps of inquiry. It follows a pre-defined approach that begins with Observation to Definition, moving to Questioning and Action, culminating in Execution and Sharing of the end result. This way, students understand concepts better and develop a lifelong love for learning.
Through inquiry-based learning, guided by a teacher, understanding and sharing individual ideas about the topic is valuable for the entire classroom. This not only makes the students but the teacher a participant in the learning process as well, as the teacher also gets a deeper understanding of the individual minds of the young students in their classroom.
Inquiry and curiosity is part of human nature and should be fostered and encouraged from a young age. This includes learning skills such as how to ask and answer questions, solve problems and conduct investigations and research. To be inquisitive is wonderful and teaches us many different things but most importantly it teaches us how to learn.
Connect with us today to learn more about our inquiry-based learning. Admissions Open Pre-KG onwards. Enrol your child for a global education.
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