When hearing the term inquiry-based learning, many educators are apt to imagine the concept revolves around asking the student what they want to learn. While that can be part of inquiry-based learning, it’s really much more than that.
What Is Inquiry-Based Learning?
Inquiry-based learning is curiosity driven. The main purpose of this type of learning is to pique the curiosity of the student and encourage them to engage on a deep level. With inquiry-based learning, students are more interested and engaged in what they are learning than with traditional methods of education.
One of the main inquiry-based learning benefits is it transfers the authority of learning to the student which motivates them in their learning endeavors. Students learn to seek out answers instead of being complacent without them, creating a strong and cohesive learning environment.
With this learning approach, teachers don’t simply ask students what they want to know about — they introduce them to things, pique their curiosity, and then set them free to start learning.
Steps to Inquiry-Based Learning
1. Curiosity is Sparked and Student Begins to Ask Questions
When the learner’s curiosity is initially sparked, teachers will want to act on that interest and wonder. Have students structure their thoughts and questions so that they can engage in learning with intention and direction.
2. Create Learning Goals
Once the learner is interested in a topic and asking questions, the teacher and learner should begin setting goals together. Both should remember that learning is fluid and goals may change as research commences.
3. Encourage Research During Class Time
Researching during class gives the teacher the ability to provide guidance, model research skills, and to provide help as the student engages with the topic.
4. Time for Presentations
Once goals have been reached, the student should present their findings to the class. Presentations can include STEAM elements such as tech presentation tools, labs, and other resources.
5. Reflection
After the student has been able to communicate their findings, they will want to take some time to reflect on the entire process — what investigation methods were effective and which ones weren’t.
Inquiry-Based STEAM Learning
The inquiry-based learning process goes hand-in-hand with STEAM concepts in the classroom. STEAM education that is inquiry-based emphasizes practical applications and original approaches to problem-solving. It uses investigative methods of teaching where students look into a situation, search for potential answers, make observations, pose questions, try out ideas, and use their imagination and intuition.
Use SAM Labs for Inquiry-Based Learning
SAM Labs is a great resource for inquiry-based STEAM learning. With tools and resources ready for use, teachers can provide SAM Labs access to students during their investigation and research process. Inquiry-based learning is the education of the future — and the two concepts create a forward-thinking, cohesive learning path that should be utilized in all schools.