Many of us grew up with the direct instruction approach to learning. Where the teacher stood at the head of the room and disseminated information as we took notes or filled in a sheet. A lot has changed in education over the years, and you may find what you see children doing in their classrooms includes direct open dialogue and questioning between the student and teacher, much like discussion-oriented classes in college you might remember.
Inquiry-based learning is an approach to education that promotes active learning through investigation, collaboration, and discovery, where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore and investigate their surroundings, and make meaningful connections between what they learn in the classroom and the world around them.
The inquiry-based learning method is frequently paired with a student-centric teaching style at a forward-thinking institution such as Chance School. Our Teachers strive to foster a supportive, all-inclusive, and captivating learning atmosphere that skillfully incorporates essential educational standards. This methodology motivates learners to take responsibility for their education and cultivate the abilities necessary to become lifelong scholars.
How is it done in the classroom?
Inquiry-based learning starts with a question or problem the students are interested in exploring. The teacher guides the students to investigate the topic by providing resources, materials, and guidance. The students are encouraged to ask questions, make observations, and draw conclusions based on their findings. This approach helps to develop their problem-solving skills, creativity, and curiosity.
Inquiry-based learning is a student-centered education approach involving active learning and critical thinking. Here are some steps way we facilitate inquiry-based learning at Chance School:
- Start by identifying a question or problem to explore. Encourage students to choose topics that interest them.
- Guide students in conducting research and gathering information from a variety of sources. This can include books, articles, videos, and interviews.
- Encourage students to analyze and synthesize the information they have gathered. This can involve creating mind maps, concept maps, or other visual representations of their findings.
- Provide opportunities for students to collaborate and share their findings. This can include group discussions, debates, or presentations.
- Encourage students to reflect on their learning and the process they went through. This can include journaling, self-assessment, or group reflection.
- Finally, celebrate the learning that has taken place and encourage students to continue to be curious and ask questions.
By following these steps, we create a rich and rewarding inquiry-based learning experience for our students at Chance School.
What are the outcomes for children?
Inquiry-based learning has been a best-practice educational approach at Chance School for many years. We agree with research on its many positive outcomes for children.
Firstly, inquiry-based learning helps to develop critical thinking skills. By asking questions and making observations, students learn to analyze information and draw their own conclusions. This helps to develop their problem-solving skills and encourages them to think independently.
Secondly, inquiry-based learning promotes a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Students are more likely to remember and understand what they have learned by actively participating in their learning. This approach also encourages students to make connections between different subjects and to see how they relate to the world around them.
Finally, inquiry-based learning helps to develop essential life skills such as collaboration, communication, and self-direction. By working together on investigations, students learn to communicate effectively and to work towards a shared goal. They also learn to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop the motivation and self-discipline needed to succeed.
At Chance School, over the years, we have found that inquiry-based learning produces many positive outcomes for our students on their learning and life journeys. Inquiry-based learning prepares students for success in a rapidly changing and demanding society by promoting critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Research has shown that this approach can lead to increased engagement and motivation, improved academic performance, and greater knowledge retention. As such, inquiry-based learning has become an increasingly popular and effective method of instruction in modern education, and we couldn’t agree more with its success.