Inquiry-based Learning

In this approach, the students are motivated to participate in the research practice. Consequently, they become more active and interested in their learning. This approach is all about asking questions and being curious. What it means is it taps into their natural curiosity and allows it to flourish.

Teachers are still playing a key part in inquiry-based learning. They are the media that provide guidance for students. Their purpose is to create an environment that encourages student curiosity and support during the process. Moreover, teachers should not directly provide all the answers to empower them to be active, engaged learners.

What are the four types of inquiry-based learning?

In this method, there are four types of inquiry-based learning processes that you can use, which are structured, open-ended, problem-based, and guided approaches. Each of them has different learning goals, subjects, and student readiness levels. The IBL ranges from teacher-guided to completely student-driven. Each method reflects the degree of freedom and tasks they have during the learning process.

Every student has a different experience, confidence, and type of content they are learning. This method requires teachers to adapt the level of guidance and independence during the process that the learners need. In doing so, students gradually build their inquiry skills. Moreover, here is more information about each type of method. 

The confirmation approach

This is the entry level of inquiry-based learning. The approach starts with students already knowing a principle or concept. The teacher provides them with the question, method, and expected results. In this method, students only need to verify the known outcome, not to discover something new. Moreover, it is often used to build skills in observation and data collection.

The structured approach

This type of IBL uses the most teacher-directed approach. During this process, the teacher provides the questions and the procedures for students to follow. They conduct the research and review the results without the freedom of how they do it. This style is useful for beginners or younger learners to train their inquiry skills. This method helps them stay focused and build a grasp of the research process.

The guided approach

This inquiry-based learning offers more freedom for students to explore in their own way. The teacher still provides them with some structure, like researching a question or problem for them. After that, students will develop their own method of investigation. This approach enables them to make decisions, think critically and solve problems. Moreover, this can be helpful to learners who are slightly experienced and willing to take on more responsibility.

The open-ended approach

This inquiry-based learning is appropriate for more advanced learners who can manage their learning. In this way, students can create research questions on their own, design their own method, gather data, and draw conclusions. It reflects the way actual scientists and researchers work. In this process, it builds the highest level of independence, creativity, and critical thinking

Benefits of inquiry-based learning

The inquiry-based learning motivates the students to be active in their learning process. It encourages them to question, explore and develop their own understanding instead of being fed information. What this method does is improve their curiosity and make them take part in the learning process. In doing so, it supports them in retaining knowledge more effectively. Here are some of the benefits of using this approach:

• Deeper understanding: Inquiry-based learning makes students explore and understand why and how things work, instead of memorising facts. This encourages critical thinking and connections between ideas.
• More engagement: The process is often hands-on, interactive, and relevant to their interest, making them actively involved in asking and answering questions. 
• Builds collaboration and communication: Inquiry-based learning allows students to express ideas, listen to others, and work as a team.
• Improve retention: They will retain concepts longer because they have applied and understand the knowledge.