What is Inquiry-based learning?

• Deeper Conceptual Understanding:
• By actively exploring and investigating concepts, students develop a more profound and lasting understanding compared to passive learning.  
• They learn to connect theory with practice, making knowledge more relevant and meaningful.
• Development of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills:
• IBL fosters the ability to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and formulate logical conclusions.  
• Students learn to approach problems systematically, develop creative solutions, and adapt to new challenges.  
• Enhanced Communication and Collaboration Skills:
• IBL often involves group projects and discussions, promoting effective communication and teamwork.  
• Students learn to articulate their ideas clearly, listen actively, and work collaboratively to achieve common goals.  
• Increased Motivation and Engagement:
• IBL's active and hands-on approach sparks curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.  
• Students become more invested in their education when they have a sense of ownership and agency.
• Improved Research and Information Literacy Skills:
• IBL requires students to gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources.  
• They develop essential research skills, including the ability to identify credible sources and use information effectively.
• Development of Lifelong Learning Skills:
• IBL cultivates a love of learning and a sense of intellectual curiosity that extends beyond formal education.  
• Students learn to become self-directed learners, capable of independently pursuing knowledge and skills.  
• Increased Confidence and Self-Efficacy:
• By successfully tackling challenging problems, students gain confidence in their abilities.
• They develop a sense of self-efficacy, believing that they can learn and achieve their goals.  
• Greater Relevance and Application of Knowledge:
• IBL often uses real world problems, which shows the students why the material they are learning is important.  
• This helps students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to situations they may encounter in their lives.

• Development of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills:
  • IBL equips individuals with the ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate evidence, and formulate reasoned judgments. These skills are essential for navigating the complexities of modern society and making informed decisions.
  • In a world increasingly driven by information and technology, the ability to discern reliable sources and evaluate information critically is paramount.
• Promotion of Lifelong Learning:
  • IBL fosters a sense of curiosity and a love of learning that extends beyond formal education. This cultivates individuals who are motivated to continuously learn and adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
  • In a rapidly changing world, lifelong learning is essential for personal and professional growth, as well as for societal progress.
• Cultivation of Engaged and Informed Citizens:
  • IBL encourages students to actively participate in the learning process and to take ownership of their education. This translates into citizens who are more engaged in their communities and more likely to participate in civic life.
  • By grappling with real-world problems, students develop a deeper understanding of societal issues and a greater sense of civic responsibility.
• Fostering Innovation and Creativity:
  • IBL encourages students to think outside the box and to explore new ideas. This fosters a culture of innovation and creativity, which is essential for economic growth and societal progress.
  • By encouraging students to ask questions and to seek their own answers, IBL nurtures the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
• Enhancement of Collaborative Skills:
  • IBL often involves collaborative projects, which helps students develop essential teamwork and communication skills. These skills are crucial for success in the workplace and in society.
  • The ability to work effectively in teams, to communicate ideas clearly, and to resolve conflicts constructively are vital for a harmonious and productive society.
     

Preparation and Implementation:

• • Designing and implementing effective IBL activities requires significant time for instructors, including planning, resource development, and assessment.
  • Creating clear rubrics, and scheduling activities efficiently are major tasks for instructors as well.
  • Incorporating these activities incrementally is a great way to slowly enhance your course with the time that is available and combat overwhelm. Small changes can make powerful impacts.

The University of Delaware’s PBL Database has plenty of resources including problem based learning lessons  for different disciplines.  

Instructors might find it difficult to find the balance between providing enough scaffolding and guidance and sufficiently challenging their students

Recommendations:

• Provide an overall structure to the task with a clear timeline
• Review and discuss rubrics and examples where it makes sense before having students start their own work
• Offer different types of support, for example, checking in with individuals and groups in person, via e-mail, during virtual office hours, etc.
• You can also collaborate with students when deciding any and all of these through the use of community/classroom agreements and/or discussion to fuel their sense of ownership and tailor activities to their learning needs.

IBL activities may require students to dig deep into a few topics instead of broadly surveying several topics.

This may not leave you with enough time to cover all of your course content. While it may be true that some topics may have to be sacrificed, it’s also important to consider the cognitive benefits of in-depth study like increased retention and decreased need for remediation.

You can prioritize key concepts and provide access to remaining content for students to explore on their own via a flipped classroom model or through independent research.

The skills and strategies students will gain through inquiry-based learning activities can support their independent learning in the future.

• Shift from Content Delivery to Facilitation:
  • Teachers move away from being the primary source of information to becoming facilitators of learning. This requires a shift in mindset and pedagogical approach.
  • Instructors must design learning experiences that encourage student exploration and discovery.
• Emphasis on Questioning and Inquiry:
  • Teachers must cultivate a classroom culture that values questioning and encourages students to ask "why" and "how."
  • They need to develop skills in posing open-ended questions and guiding students toward meaningful investigations.
• Development of Assessment for Learning:
  • Assessment becomes an ongoing process of monitoring student progress and providing feedback to guide their learning.
  • Teachers must use formative assessment techniques to understand student thinking and adjust their instruction accordingly.
• Creation of a Student-Centered Learning Environment:
  • Classroom activities are designed to promote active participation, collaboration, and critical thinking.
  • Teachers create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and exploring new ideas.
• Increased Planning and Preparation:
  • Designing effective IBL experiences requires significant planning and preparation.
  • Teachers must carefully select problems, gather resources, and develop assessment strategies.
• Adaptability and Flexibility:
  • IBL often leads to unexpected directions, so teachers must be adaptable and flexible in their approach.
  • They must be prepared to adjust their plans based on student needs and interests.

• Active and Engaged Learning:
  • Students become active participants in their own learning, rather than passive recipients of information.
  • They develop a deeper understanding of concepts through hands-on exploration and investigation.
• Development of Higher-Order Thinking Skills:
  • IBL promotes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
  • Students learn to evaluate evidence, formulate hypotheses, and draw conclusions.
• Increased Ownership and Motivation:
  • Students are more motivated to learn when they have a sense of ownership over their learning.
  • They are more likely to be engaged and interested in topics they have explored themselves.
• Enhanced Metacognitive Awareness:
  • IBL encourages students to reflect on their own thinking and learning processes.
  • They become more aware of their strengths and weaknesses as learners.
• Greater Relevance and Application of Knowledge:
  • Students learn to apply their knowledge to real-world problems and situations.
  • They see the relevance of their learning and understand how it connects to their lives.
• Collaborative Learning:
  • Students learn to work together, share ideas, and build on each other's knowledge.
  • They develop valuable communication and teamwork skills.
• Learning to deal with ambiguity:
  • IBL forces students to learn how to proceed, even when they do not have all of the answers. This is a very important skill for life long learning.