Inquiry Based Learning

Before I start my writing I would like to present this short video, which I think it can give you a clear vision and breif introduction about Inquiry Based Learning Technique.



To continue talking about the Flipped Classroom, in my last post I discussed the Student-Centered-Learning technique. In this post I will talk about Inquiry-Based-Learning technique. In the following writing I will define what Inquiry Based Learning is, how I implemented this technique at my classrooms and its advantages from my opinion based on my previous experience.

What is Inquiry Based Learning?

It is a teaching technique which mainly depends on getting the students involved through questions which will stimulate them to think and leads to understand. Moreover, the students do some research or seeking information knowledge through asking those questions.



Last year when I was teaching high school students, I tried to use this teaching technique and integrate it with the other teaching techniques to develop my teaching style and to foster my student educational level.

I used to ask my students creative questions related to my subject whom I teach or sometimes I give them a problem and ask them to find appropriate solution for it. I used to ask questions with different levels not only hard or creative questions so that each student gets the useful knowledge easily. I think that the questions have to be entirely focused on the subject matter that the teacher taught.

From what I tested in my classroom lessons, the questions do not have to be always from the teacher side it also can be from the students’ side. This can develop their thinking level. In my opinion, the best learning and gaining of knowledge can be occurred from inquiring which involved learners and leads to positive outcomes.

Briefly, there are simple steps of inquiring or main components of inquiry based learning which are:

1.       Questions have to be related to the topic of inquiry.

2.       Investigation and gathering of information related to the question.

3.       Discussion of collected information and data.

4.       Reflection on what was learned.

Inquiry based learning components



From implementing this technique in my classrooms I come up with these advantages:

1.       It developed the students thinking.

2.       Let the students think in a creative way and allow them to solve problems.

3.       Gaining the right information and knowledge.

4.       Increasing and fostering the students learning level.

5.       Improving the students’ skills.

                                           

Finally, I think that integrating the flipped classroom techniques together such as applying student centered learning, inquiry based learning and problem solving will leads to positive outcomes and it will enhance the students’ educational level and skills. Indeed, they will be prepared very well for future life.