Definition & Characteristics of the Approach:

Inquiry-based learning is a learning design approach that requires students to be engaged in the learning process (What is Inquiry-based, 2018). This learning process shifts the traditional teacher-student role and allows students “to explore the material, ask questions, and share ideas” (What is Inquiry-based, 2018). This learning technique provides students with the opportunity to learn by doing, and strengthen their knowledge “through exploration, experience, and discussion” (What is Inquiry-based, 2018). 

Inquiry-based learning is an effective learning design as it allows students to actively engage in the learning process. For numerous students, the traditional way of teaching through listening and writing does not work for them. Inquiry-based learning provides students with the opportunity to be interactive and strengthen their knowledge of the concept. Studies have shown that “we retain 75% of what we do compared to 5% of what we hear and 10% of what we read” (What is Inquiry-based, 2018).

There are four steps of inquiry-based learning according to Wolpert-Gawron (2016). These four steps include students develop questions that they are hungry to answer, research the topic using time in class, have students present what they’ve learned, and ask students to reflect on what worked about the process and what didn’t (Wolpert-Gawron, 2016). 

There are numerous benefits to adopting Inquiry-based learning in the classroom. 

Such as:

  1. Enhances learning experiences for children
  2. Teaches skills needed for all areas of learning
  3. Fosters curiosity in students
  4. Deepens students understanding of the topic
  5. Allows students to take ownership of their learning
  6. Increases engagement with the material (What is Inquiry-based, 2018)

Discussion of How this Approach Does or Does not Align with Your Topic & Why You Chose this Particular Instructional Approach:

Inquiry-based learning is not a technique that was added to the assessment part of our pod’s chosen topic. This learning design can be easily implemented into our interactive learning resource. This can be accomplished by providing opportunities for the students to be interactive and ask questions. I chose this particular instructional approach because it was a technique I wish I thought about prior to creating our group’s blueprint. Now fully understanding the benefits of this learning design, our group should adopt it to our interactive learning resource. Adopting this learning tool into our final project can ensure our learners are absorbing the information by being interactive. 

Pod’s Blog Links:

Jialong’s Blog:

Open Pedagogies

Yixuan’s Blog:

Cooperative Learning

Alison’s Blog:

Learning Design: Experiential Learning

I have commented on Kayla’s and Emily’s blogs this week!

Kayla’s Blog:

https://kaylakrug.wordpress.com/2021/10/17/edci-335-blog-post-2-learning-design/amp/

Emily’s Blog:

Experiential Learning Theory: Indigenous Pedagogies

Work Cited

What is inquiry-based learning (and how is it effective)? (2018, April 3). Grade Power Learning. https://gradepowerlearning.com/what-is-inquiry-based-learning/

Wolpert-Gawron, Heather. (2016 August 11). What the Heck Is Inquiry-Based Learning. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/what-heck-inquiry-based-learning-heather-wolpert-gawron