Inquiry Based Learning -- A Partnering Pedagogy

Hi, all! Today's topic is a good one! We'll be discussion a partnering pedagogy called Inquiry Based Learning or IBL for short.

According to "Inquiry Based Learning," "Inquiry-based instruction is a student-centered and teacher-guided instructional approach that engages students in investigating real world questions that they choose within a broad thematic framework. Inquiry-Based instruction complements traditional instruction by providing a vehicle for extending and applying the learning of students in a way that connects with their interests within a broader thematic framework. Students acquire and analyze information, develop and support propositions, provide solutions, and design technology and arts products that demonstrate their thinking and make their learning visible." 

Therefore, IBL...

• is student-centered
• helps students become problem solvers
• makes students become researchers
• encourages student choice

So, what is the teacher's role in all of this??? Well, glad you asked! Teachers become a facilitator rather than a primary instructor. 

Let's take a look at a few of the benefits of IBL...

• teaches problem-solving, critical thinking skills, and disciplinary content
• promotes the transfer of concepts to new problem questions
• teaches students how to learn and builds self-directed learning skills
• develops student ownership of their inquiry and enhances student interest in the subject matter

Let's take a look at a few of the disadvantages of IBL...

• time constraints
• requires more planning of lessons
• educators' and parents' attitudes toward IBL (due to "being used to" the traditional approach)
• may not prepare students for standardized testing as well as other approaches

Let's look at key components of IBL...

1. Activating prior knowledge
2. Providing background information
3. Defining outcomes for which students will be held accountable
4. Modeling design product outcomes (technology, art); Providing frameworks
5. Establishing a general topic or inquiry
6. Student teams conduct background research and define focused problem questions within broader inquiry or topic
7. Establish and communicate inquiry presentation framework
8. Refer students back to expected outcomes
9. Refine students' thinking by asking a lot of questions
10. Support technology
11. Empower students to coach & train one another within their teams
12. Provide a forum for student presentations which includes students, teachers, parents, community members
13. Provide vehicles for student participation in action projects which connect their learning to specific action
14. Incorporate ongoing, meaningful peer and teacher assessment
15. Reflect on what worked and what didn't and do it again

I hope you learned a little about Inquiry Based Learning, and check out this awesome website if you would like to learn more!

Concept to Classroom - IBL


-CG


References
"Inquiry Based Learning"
"Pros and Cons of Inquiry Based Learning"