Inquiry Based Instruction

Inquiry – a seeking or request for truth, information, or knowledge.

 

 

Throughout this week’s readings I have strengthened my understanding of what “Inquiry-Based Instruction” actually is.  It is a process that enables the teacher to guide the student to a solution.  As an aspiring teacher I hope to utilize this method in some of my classes to help the students be able to think deeper as they approach new findings.

My role as the teacher would be the following six steps:

1. Starting the inquiry process;

2. Promoting student dialog;

3. Transitioning between small groups and classroom discussions;

4. Intervening to clear misconceptions or develop students' understanding of content material;

5. Modeling scientific procedures and attitudes;

6. Utilizing student experiences to create new content knowledge.

 

These are things that will help to direct students to the six stages of the inquiry cycle:

1. Inquisition – stating a "what if" or "I wonder" question to be investigated

2. Acquisition – brainstorming possible procedures

3. Supposition – identifying an "I think" statement to test

4. Implementation – designing and carrying out a plan

5. Summation – collecting evidence and drawing conclusions

6. Exhibition – sharing and communication results

 

As I learned about simplifying inquiry I was re-connected to the concept of scaffolding.  There is the wise suggestion to scaffold inquiry and begin the design process with the end in mind.  This will help to really ensure that the desired message is achieved.

Another thing that I discovered is that there are multiple approaches to using inquiry-based learning:

o   Structured Inquiry

o   Guided Inquiry

o   Open Inquiry

o   Learning Cycle