Inquiry-Based Learning

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Inquiry-Based Learning
A process where students formulate investigative
questions, obtain factual information, and then
build knowledge that ultimately reflects their
answer to the original question.
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Clay P. Bedford
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The Starting Point
Creating questions for good inquiry-based
projects.
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What kinds of questions make for good
inquiry-based projects?

• The questions must be answerable.
• The answer cannot be a simple fact.
• The answer cannot already be known.
• The questions must have some objective basis for
  an answer.
• The questions can not be too personal.

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The Circle of Inquiry
Ask
Investigate
Reflect
Create
Discuss
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Ask
Meaningful questions are inspired by genuine
curiosity about real-world experiences. An
examples of a question in this stage in the
process is "Why does the moon change shape?"
Questions are redefined throughout the learning
process. Questions naturally lead to the next
stage in the process investigation.
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What is an essential question?
A question that requires students to make a
decision or plan a course of action.
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Investigate
Taking the curious impulse and putting it into
action. At this stage the learner begins to
gather information researching resources,
studying, experimenting, observing and the like.
The information-gathering stage becomes a
self-motivated process that is wholly owned by
the engaged learner.
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Create
As the information is gathered in the
investigation the stage learner begins to make
connections. The ability at this stage to
synthesize meaning is the creative spark that
forms all new knowledge. The learner now
undertakes the creative task of shaping
significant new thoughts, ideas, and theories
outside of his/her prior experience.
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Discuss
At this point in the circle of inquiry, learners
share their new ideas with others. The learner
begins to ask others about their own experiences
and investigations. Comparing notes, discussing
conclusions, and sharing experiences are all
examples of this process in action.
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Reflect
Reflect
Taking the time to look back at the question, the
research path, and the conclusions made. The
learner steps back, takes inventory, makes
observations, and possibly makes new decisions.
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Where can you find examples of Inquiry-Based
Lessons?

• Many lessons that use the Inquiry-based learning
  theory
• are available on the Internet.
• A lot of the sites will also list the standards
  that are
• covered with the lesson, and include printable
  student
• handouts and rubrics.

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References
Budnitz, Norman. "CIBL Exercise Catalogue."
http//www.biology.duke.edu/cibl. August 5, 2003.
The Center for Inquiry-Based Learning. 15 Jun
2006 lthttp//www.biology.duke.edu/cibl/exercise_c
atalogue.htmgt.
Garton, Janetta. "Inquiry-Based Learning."
TIAInquiry-Based Learning. 24 May 2005. Willard
R2 School District. 15 Jun 2006
lthttp//www.willard.k12.mo.us/co/tech/inquiry.htmgt
.
"Gizmos." ProQuest Information and Learning
Company. 2006. http//www.explorelearning.com/.
15 Jun 2006 lthttp//www.explorelearning.com/gt.
"Horizontal Rules." Bellsnwhistles. 2000. 15 Jun
2006 lthttp//bellsnwhistles.com/page3.htmlgt.